The San Francisco 49ers had a busier-than-expected offseason as the team looked to rebound from an injury-plagued 2025 campaign. Despite the adversity, San Francisco still managed to win 12 games and secure a playoff victory.
General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed several key areas of need through free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft.
The most notable changes came at wide receiver, where the 49ers added veterans Mike Evans and Christian Kirk to help offset the departures of Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, and Skyy Moore.
San Francisco also used its top draft selection on wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, injecting additional youth and explosiveness into the offense.
Another major focus was the defensive front after the 49ers finished with an NFL-low 20 sacks in 2025. Defensive stars Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams are expected to return from ACL injuries. At the same time, San Francisco also bolstered the unit by trading for Osa Odighizuwa and drafting edge rusher Romello Height.
The 49ers' offseason work earned a B- from CBS Sports analyst Tyler Sullivan, who noted that improved health alone could dramatically change the team's outlook in 2026.
San Francisco will also regain All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, widely regarded as the defense's emotional leader.
Bleacher Report analyst Moe Moton identified one X-factor that could shape each NFL division race this season, pointing to the 49ers' improved depth in the NFC West. He agrees that better health will lead to success in 2026.
"Mostly healthy, the 49ers are Super Bowl contenders," Moton wrote. "Like every other team, they'll deal with injuries, but their depth could be the difference between a home playoff game and missing the postseason."
Of course, much of that success may depend on the coaching staff's ability to develop younger contributors, including Stribling and third-round running back Kaelon Black, who could emerge as important pieces of the offense moving forward.
"Teams can get to the playoffs with a top-heavy roster, though quality depth allows clubs to overcome attrition," Moton added.
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