The 2024 season was a disaster for the San Francisco 49ers, a team that entered with lofty expectations following a Super Bowl appearance. Despite undergoing a significant roster overhaul this offseason, the 49ers are determined to prove that last season was an outlier and not a sign that their championship window is closing.
A second straight disappointing campaign would be a tough pill to swallow for a fan base that has grown accustomed to winning. After all, San Francisco posted 10 or more wins and made deep playoff runs in each of the three seasons leading up to 2024.
NFL.com lists 49ers among teams facing the most pressure
NFL.com's Tom Blair recently ranked 11 NFL teams facing the most pressure entering the 2025 season, placing the 49ers at No. 6. Blair noted that he wasn't entirely surprised by last season's struggles, given the sustained success the franchise had previously enjoyed.
Injuries certainly played a major role in the 49ers' decline. Among the most significant was the absence of running back Christian McCaffrey, who only appeared in four games between two stints on injured reserve. The absence came one season after McCaffrey led the NFL in touches (339), scrimmage yards (2,023), and total touchdowns (21), earning 2023 Offensive Player of the Year honors.
"Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch surely have earned the benefit of the doubt for building a team that tied the Chiefs with the NFL's best winning percentage between 2022 and '23 (.735)," Blair wrote. "But goodwill only goes so far in NFL fandom, and Niners backers likely will start to sweat a little more if they don't jump back into contention in 2025."
Core players locked in—now it's time to deliver
This offseason, the 49ers secured several of their core players with contract extensions. Most notably, quarterback Brock Purdy signed a five-year, $265 million deal. Tight end George Kittle and linebacker Fred Warner also received new contracts, while wide receiver Jauan Jennings is seeking an extension of his own.
Blair believes these moves heighten the urgency for San Francisco to capitalize on its current roster while veteran stars can continue playing at a high level. Players like McCaffrey (29) and tackle Trent Williams—who turns 37 this weekend—aren't getting any younger.
"A second lackluster effort will just add extra heat to the already-tricky job of building around team cornerstones who have transitioned fully into the 'no more discounts' portion of their careers," Blair concluded.
The pressure is on in Santa Clara. After a lost season in 2024, the 49ers aim to bounce back in 2025. Failing to do so might result in difficult questions about the team's future.