NFL.com's Tom Blair took a creative approach to building a dream-team-style roster for the 2025 season. Instead of simply selecting the league's biggest names, Blair constructed a 53-man squad while staying under the NFL's current salary cap of $279.2 million. The result was a "best money can buy" lineup, and only two San Francisco 49ers players made the cut.
There were a few key rules. Blair disregarded real-world logistics, such as dead money and future cap implications, focusing solely on building the best possible roster for the 2025 season. He was allowed a maximum of 24 players on rookie deals (excluding fifth-year options and undrafted contracts), giving him flexibility to include top talent while keeping the cap hit manageable.
Representing the 49ers on this fantasy roster are linebacker Fred Warner and right guard Dominick Puni. Warner, a perennial All-Pro, carries a hefty cap hit of $16.1 million this season, yet still made the list—a reflection of just how impactful he is on the defensive side of the ball.
"The recently extended Fred Warner brings the kind of defensive dominance that -- sure, I'll say it -- you can't put a price on," Blair wrote.
Puni, meanwhile, emerged as a breakout star in 2024 and offers incredible value on his rookie contract, making him a logical selection for a roster that balances elite performance with cost efficiency.
Notably absent were other high-profile 49ers, such as Nick Bosa, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey, likely due to their significant cap hits. Instead of Kittle, Blair opted for Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, who is still on a rookie deal. Bosa, who failed to hit double-digit sacks in 2024 for the first time since 2020, was also left off the list, despite Blair heavily investing in edge rushers.
Interestingly, former 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga, now with the Denver Broncos, did make the cut.
While only two 49ers made Blair's 53-man dream roster, their inclusion speaks volumes. Warner's selection highlights the respect he has earned as one of the NFL's top defensive players, despite a premium price tag. Meanwhile, Puni's inclusion highlights the potential and value he brings to San Francisco's offensive line as he enters just his second NFL season.