Former Las Vegas Raiders general manager Mike Mayock recently joined The Rich Eisen Show to share his thoughts on the surprising offseason moves in Santa Clara. The San Francisco 49ers have allowed several veteran players to leave in free agency, leaving the team poised to look very different in 2025. Many feel that the mass exodus has closed—or at least paused—the 49ers' Super Bowl window.
Mayock expressed sympathy for head coach Kyle Shanahan, knowing that much of the team's recent talent will be playing elsewhere next season. He believes that years of heavy spending, combined with injuries to high-priced players, have forced the team into this offseason overhaul.
"What coaches want is they want the best players available, and they want them now," Mayock told Eisen. "And they don't really typically care how old they are, what they cost. They just want the general manager, and the infrastructure, the cap, and the building to provide them with good players.
"And so, I feel a little empathy for Kyle Shanahan right now because good players are leaving that building and they have been a perennial favorite to compete for the Super Bowl."
The losses include linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga—two talented players who have battled injuries—who are heading to the Denver Broncos. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel was traded to the Washington Commanders, while cornerback Charvarius Ward signed with the Indianapolis Colts.
Along the defensive line, the 49ers have also parted ways with Javon Hargrave, Leonard Floyd, and Maliek Collins.
"So, I think there's a little bit of a pushback within the building—and I'm guessing this—just that we've got to do some business in a different way. We've got to stay younger, we've got to stay healthier. And we've drafted pretty well. Let's lean back on that now."
While many expect the 49ers to take a step back after winning just six games last season, Mayock remains optimistic about their chances. He believes quarterback Brock Purdy is better than most give him credit for and could keep the team competitive.
Mayock concluded, "I think they will compete, but I think they've got a year or two now where they've got to figure some stuff out, Rich."