The San Francisco 49ers entered the 2026 offseason with several roster needs to address. Some will be handled in free agency, while others will be targeted in April's NFL Draft.
Wide receiver remains a question mark, and the offensive line has drawn increased attention — especially amid uncertainty surrounding Trent Williams' contract situation. However, according to general manager John Lynch, one other issue stands above the rest.
Speaking to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Lynch made it clear that improving the 49ers' pass rush is a top priority.
San Francisco finished the 2025 season with just 20 sacks, the fewest in the NFL by a significant margin. Injuries played a significant role in the unit's struggles, particularly after losing Nick Bosa for most of the season. Despite investing heavily in the defensive front last year, Lynch acknowledged that more work is needed.
"I think you always want to get better as a team," Lynch said. "Now, one tangible thing, we've always prided ourselves on our defensive front, and getting after people. And last year, if you just look at the numbers — now, I don't think the numbers are always reflective. I felt like there were games where we put a lot of pressure on. But you've got to put the quarterback down, and so that's something that we want to address, and we will address."
There is optimism that internal reinforcements are on the way. Lynch stated that several injured defensive linemen are expected to be ready by training camp, including Bosa, Keion White, Alfred Collins, and Mykel Williams, the 49ers' first-round pick in 2025.
White recently underwent ankle surgery after being shot. Collins had shoulder surgery following the season, and Williams — like Bosa — is recovering from an ACL injury.
If the 49ers hope to compete in a tough NFC West that featured three playoff teams this past season, including the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, revitalizing the pass rush will be essential.
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