The San Francisco 49ers endured significant offseason losses, leaving many fans questioning the team's direction—and whether contending for a championship is still the plan. Key departures have thinned the roster, and the front office appears focused on reducing future spending in preparation for quarterback Brock Purdy becoming one of the NFL's highest-paid players.
"Some might argue that San Francisco's Super Bowl window was abruptly shut in 2024 when the 49ers finished last in their division and missed the playoffs," Analyst Zoltán Buday wrote in a feature for Pro Football Focus (PFF). "Brock Purdy's expected contract extension could also make things more difficult for the franchise when it comes to building the roster."
With the 2025 NFL Draft set to kick off next week, it marks a crucial opportunity for the 49ers to retool with younger—and more affordable—talent. This offseason may prove to be one of the most pivotal in the John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan era.
Still, despite the recent setbacks, Buday doesn't believe San Francisco's title hopes are finished. He ranked the 49ers seventh among the teams with the biggest Super Bowl windows heading into the draft.
"While [Purdy's impending deal] almost certainly will impact the 49ers' long-term chances, the current roster could still compete for a Super Bowl in 2025," Buday explained. "Although left tackle Trent Williams, tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey could all be considered older at their positions, when healthy, they are still among the best in the NFL."
For the 49ers to stay competitive, they must hit on several draft picks. The roster has holes across multiple units, including both lines, the secondary, linebacker, and wide receiver. One could argue that nearly every position group could use reinforcement.
If the 49ers' Super Bowl window hasn't closed, it's undoubtedly on the verge. That makes next week's draft one of the most critical for the future of the franchise.
As Kittle often reminds the media, "I just feel like, at any moment, you could kick a window wide open." That sentiment perfectly captures the 49ers' goal this offseason.