It's been a week since the conclusion of Super Bowl LX, as the Seattle Seahawks dominated the New England Patriots. With the game in the rearview mirror, the offseason has begun. Hopeful pro prospects will gather in Indianapolis for the Combine next week. With roster turnover prevalent, decisions on franchising players are coming soon, setting the stage for free agency and then the Draft.
In the context of the NFC West, until the Arizona Cardinals find a reliable answer at quarterback—not named Kyler Murray—and have some continuity between head coach and management, they will remain division bottom feeders, despite some individual talent on both sides of the ball.
After a stellar playoff run culminating in raining confetti at Levi's Stadium, the Seattle Seahawks are not going anywhere. A ferocious defense with several young and proven players on rookie contracts, coupled with a competent quarterback, an elite No. 1 wide receiver, and a bright defensive mind as head coach.
As long as quarterback Matthew Stafford keeps playing, the Rams are right there in terms of title contention. Head coach Sean McVay is one of the best offensive minds in football. Wide receiver Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams are dynamic talents, and defensively, similar to Seattle, the Rams are compiled of many young and impactful starters, led by pass rusher Jared Verse.
Where do the 49ers fit in? After 12 victories and a road playoff win, overcoming a litany of injuries to key contributors, it was a successful season. Forget the rest of the NFC. If the 49ers are to contend for a Super Bowl consistently, the opposition of the conference pales in comparison to the gauntlet of their own division, because it's inevitable that all three teams go through each other. The 49ers have played both L.A. and Seattle hard in recent years with impressive wins and tough losses. How do they break through?
Here are three keys to competing against L.A. and Seattle.
1 - Bolster both lines
Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams returning will help improve the 49ers' weak sack numbers on the edge, with Bryce Huff coming in on passing downs. On the interior, there are options from a rotational standpoint, presuming that defensive linemen Alfred Collins and CJ West start. The run defense was reasonable last season (11th in the NFL in yards per game allowed), but it got gashed by D'Andre Swift and Kenneth Walker late in the season.
The 49ers could invest a fourth-round pick or sign a reputable veteran presence (D.J. Reader or Jaelan Phillips could fit the bill). Stopping the run on early down and distance situations, and getting pressures—if not sacks—to make passers uncomfortable should be part of the criteria.
Along the O-line, the group was up and down. Colton McKivitz and Dominick Puni were both solid and considered staples on the right side of the line. Trent Williams notched another All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection, but he'll be 38 at the start of the season.
The 49ers should consider drafting a hopeful heir apparent at left tackle if they don't give the job to Austen Pleasants. The question marks lie at left guard and center. The trio of Spencer Burford, Ben Bartch, and Connor Colby were often injured and mediocre, collectively allowing high-pressure rates and sacks. Joel Bitonio or Isaac Seumalo is a sound short-term veteran fit at guard to help improve pass protection.
At center, Jake Brendel had a solid but unusual year. He missed two games in the middle of the season, and despite good run-blocking and overall measurables, he struggled in pass protection. The 49ers have an internal option in Matt Hennessy, whom they like a lot. Cleveland's Ethan Pocic could be an option, but if the 49ers really want to make a splash, Baltimore's Tyler Linderbaum is the most coveted center in free agency, but likely will command a big market.
2 - Add a playmaking WR and backup RB
The receiving room showed flashes this year, but was ultimately too inconsistent. Jauan Jennings recorded nine touchdowns, but is not considered a WR1, while Ricky Pearsall is trying to shake the "injury-prone" designation.
Skyy Moore helped in the return game, but was not a major part of the offense, and Kendrick Bourne had minimal production aside from a superb Week 4. Jacob Cowing was out due to injury, and rookie Jordan Watkins essentially redshirted the season. The 49ers have drafted talented receivers in recent years, like Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.
With plenty of receivers available via free agency, the 49ers should seriously consider Wan'Dale Robinson of New York or Alec Pierce of Indianapolis. Both have been reliable and dynamic, especially catching the deep ball.
Running back Christian McCaffrey powered the 49ers offense, accounting for 413 touches and 17 touchdowns. Brian Robinson, as RB2, was limited to about five touches per game and never given a chance to flourish. CMC turns 30 this summer, which is when running backs traditionally lose speed and production. His workload will be significantly reduced, which underscores the need for a backup running back.
Internal options are Jordan James, who barely saw the field, and Isaac Guerendo, who still can't escape Kyle Shanahan's doghouse.
Two intriguing potential external replacements would be Pittsburgh's Kenneth Gainwell or Tampa Bay's Rachaad White. They ran and received effectively last season with good production. Both can be obtained on an affordable one-year deal.
3 - More playmakers in the secondary
Seattle just won the Super Bowl back ended by the play of young phenom defensive backs Nick Emmanwori and Devon Witherspoon. L.A.'s secondary also includes Kam Kinchens and Quentin Lake. Deommodore Lenoir is the 49ers' top corner, and rookie Upton Stout proved to be an impact player as a nickel back.
At safety, both Malik Mustapha and Ji'Ayir Brown have shown good support against the run, but have been spotty in coverage.
If the 49ers want to follow the blueprint of their division foes, poaching corners or safeties would be an effective way of strengthening a middling group. Kam Curl, Roger McCreary, Josh Jobe, Coby Bryant, and Riq Woolen are all at the end of their rookie deals. Also, in Chicago, Jaquan Brisker and Nahshon Wright are available from a team that created 33 takeaways in 2025.
The bottom line for the 49ers: continue drafting depth pieces.