The 2024 season did not go according to plan for the San Francisco 49ers. After coming painfully close to winning Super Bowl LVIII, the team entered the 2025 campaign with championship expectations. Instead, the 49ers stumbled and crashed to a disappointing 6-11 record, with injuries and inconsistent play derailing their hopes of a return to the big game.
Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice is expressing some skepticism about the 49ers' ability to bounce back and contend in 2025. While he remains a loyal supporter of the franchise, Rice wishes the team had retained more of last season's roster instead of undergoing a significant offseason overhaul.
"I just feel like we added on too many pieces," Rice told Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group at the American Century Championship golf tournament in Lake Tahoe. "The reason why I say that is these guys are young guys."
In an effort to prepare for quarterback Brock Purdy's eventual contract extension, 49ers decision-makers allowed several high-priced veterans to depart this offseason. Those roster spots were filled with more affordable rookies as the team altered its team-building strategy.
Rice believes the 49ers' front office may have taken an overly aggressive approach. He emphasized the importance of continuity, especially with the chance to play in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium, their home turf, in February 2026.
"I would have preferred to sort of leave everything like last year, add on to that, and have a chance for this coming year," Rice said.
Although he remains confident in head coach Kyle Shanahan's leadership, Rice acknowledged the uncertainty created by relying on so many unproven players.
"I'm always going to go Niners no matter what," he said. "But we're bringing in so many young players. It's going to take a while for that team to jell. If it doesn't happen this year, then maybe the next couple of years."
One primary key to a 49ers resurgence will be a revamped defense. The unit struggled in 2024, particularly when it came to stopping the run and generating consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. That led to the return of Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator, a move designed to restore the defense's identity as one of the NFL's fastest and most physical groups.
"I feel like you win championships with defense," Rice said. "Maybe that's why they brought Robert back. If that defense can get rolling like it did the last couple of years when he was around, I think we have a legitimate chance.
"The offense is going to take a while to catch up. You want the offense, toward the end, working on all cylinders. If that happens now, everything is good to go."