The San Francisco 49ers exceeded expectations this past season despite navigating a lengthy injury list. That resilience has fueled optimism about another strong run in 2026.
But how far the 49ers can go remains the real question.
Even with All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner and star defensive end Nick Bosa expected back from injury, significant concerns linger. In a loaded NFC West—featuring the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks—there is little room for error.
Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport recently examined the 49ers' offseason outlook, outlining both the encouraging signs and the potential pitfalls as general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan prepare for 2026.
The bad news for the 49ers
Looking at the negatives first, there is significant uncertainty regarding San Francisco's receiving corps.
"San Francisco's pass-catching corps is a mess," Davenport wrote. "Star tight end George Kittle tore his Achilles in the playoffs, wide receiver Jauan Jennings is a free agent, and Brandon Aiyuk's time in the Bay Area is over. If Jennings doesn't return, the team will have oft-injured Ricky Pearsall and not much else."
That uncertainty creates real pressure on the front office. Kendrick Bourne has expressed interest in remaining with the 49ers but is also headed for free agency. The same goes for receiver/returner Skyy Moore. As currently constructed, the offense lacks proven, reliable targets for quarterback Brock Purdy.
Defensively, the numbers are equally concerning. The 49ers finished last in the NFL with just 20 total sacks, an indicator of how much the unit struggled without Bosa. San Francisco invested a first-round pick in defensive lineman Mykel Williams last year, but he—like Bosa—is returning from an ACL injury.
The good news for the 49ers
There are reasons for optimism.
The 49ers have plenty of salary cap space to use this offseason. Unlike last year, they are not staring at a long list of high-profile internal free agents.
"The good news for the 49ers is that they have some cap space to play with—around $43 million," Davenport noted. "Outside Jennings, San Francisco doesn't have a lot of in-house free agents to worry about."
That flexibility could allow Lynch to be more aggressive in free agency or via trade. Davenport even mentioned the 49ers as a team with potential interest in Las Vegas Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby, though the draft compensation required to complete a trade may make any interest short-lived.
Ultimately, the formula for continued success is straightforward: improved health and smart offseason decisions.
"But in an NFC West that just produced three teams that won at least 12 games and the Super Bowl champion, Lynch has little margin for error in 2026—in free agency or the draft," Davenport added.
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