The San Francisco 49ers underwent a major roster overhaul this offseason, preparing for a future with significantly less salary-cap flexibility now that quarterback Brock Purdy ranks among the NFL's highest-paid players.
Several key contributors from recent seasons are no longer with the team. While the roster still boasts plenty of top-end talent, there's no denying that the overall depth has taken a hit. The 49ers used 11 draft picks in an attempt to restock the roster, hoping to rebound from a disappointing 6-11 finish that landed them in last place in the NFC West and out of the playoffs.
So, who was the 49ers' most significant offseason loss? According to CBS Sports' Jared Dubin, it's wide receiver Deebo Samuel—a player he believes will be extremely difficult to replace. Dubin labeled Samuel "a fixture in San Francisco" and emphasized his contributions over the years.
"He was a huge part of the offense as a receiver, runner, and gadget player, and the 49ers don't have anyone else who can do everything that he can do," Dubin wrote. "He obviously wasn't the same player last year as he was at his peak, and San Francisco still has plenty of skill-position options, but things are going to look a lot different without him in 2025."
With Brandon Aiyuk still recovering from ACL and MCL injuries sustained in October and unlikely to be ready for the start of the season, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall are expected to be the Week 1 starters.
Jennings is coming off a career-best season, finishing with 77 receptions for 975 yards and six touchdowns—just shy of his first 1,000-yard campaign.
Pearsall missed the first six games of his rookie year after being shot on the eve of the regular season. However, he flashed potential down the stretch, finishing with 31 catches for 400 yards and three touchdowns, including a breakout 141-yard, one-touchdown performance in Week 17 against the Detroit Lions.
The 49ers are hoping Jennings and Pearsall can step up early in the season and help carry the load until Aiyuk returns to full strength. In addition, players like Jacob Cowing, rookie Jordan Watkins, and veteran Demarcus Robinson will be called upon to help fill the void left by Samuel's departure.