The San Francisco 49ers underwent a significant roster overhaul this offseason, prompting many to wonder if the team is headed for another challenging year after finishing the 2024 campaign with just six wins. But inside the locker room, the mindset is far from pessimistic.
Tight end George Kittle recently joined CBS Sports HQ and was asked about the team's outlook for the 2025 season.
"I would say we have pretty lofty expectations," Kittle declared. "We always do. We understand that we lost some really key players. I'm aware of that. [S Talanoa] Hufanga, [LB] Dre Greenlaw, [DT Javon] Hargrave, [CB] Charvarius Ward, one of my favorite teammates I've had, [WR] Deebo [Samuel], one of my favorite teammates, [G] Aaron Banks went to Green Bay.
"We lost some guys, and that is obvious. We're aware of that. But I feel like, in the way we signed guys in free agency, the way that we drafted, we targeted those holes that we lost. I'm not going to say we're going to replace All-Pro players, Pro Bowl players immediately, but I think we drafted really, really well."
Kittle also pointed to the team's participation in organized team activities (OTAs) as a positive sign, noting that nearly every player was present—a reflection of the team's focus on building chemistry early and bouncing back from a frustrating 2024 season.
"I think what our goal is—is our offense needs to play at a really high level," Kittle added. "We brought back basically everybody (on offense), which is pretty fun. And when you have [RB] Christian McCaffrey, [QB] Brock Purdy, [LT] Trent Williams, it makes me pretty excited to play football; I will say that. You can throw me in there too with [FB] Kyle Juszczyk—we're decent as well."
As for the defense, Kittle remains optimistic despite the holes left by departing veterans.
"And our defense, anytime you have [LB Fred Warner and DE Nick Bosa], I'll be pretty excited about that as well," Kittle said. "Obviously, we have some spots to fill over there, but the way that we do training camp, I think [head coach Kyle] Shanahan will have those young guys ready to go."