General manager John Lynch attended Stanford's Pro Day on Wednesday, a short commute from the San Francisco 49ers' home base in Santa Clara. He spoke to reporters after the event—his first media availability since the NFL Scouting Combine last month.
According to Matt Barrows of The Athletic, Lynch admitted it hasn't been easy watching so many valuable contributors depart this offseason—team and fan favorites like Dre Greenlaw, Deebo Samuel, Talanoa Hufanga, and Charvarius Ward, among others. However, Lynch is adamant that a recovery plan is in place, and it's exactly what everyone expected.
"We've got this thing called the draft, and we've got a lot of picks," Lynch said, per Barrows. "And I think the thing the fans should know is, we have a plan. And we're gonna execute that plan. And we're excited about the opportunity."
The 49ers will begin their draft meetings next week. They will also look to their young supporting cast to step up in 2025. That includes linebacker Dee Winters, a sixth-round pick in 2023, who may need to replace Greenlaw if a significant draft addition isn't made.
"He'll have an opportunity," Lynch said. "I think a lot of guys … there's still a lot of time between now and when we play, but he's a guy we like. And he's still growing as a player."
Lynch believes the return of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh will profoundly impact the team's ability to overcome these losses.
"And it's been fun to have a new lens on things," Lynch said of Saleh. "He's very excited with Dee and a lot of players."
A roster reset
More than anything, this offseason roster purge has been about cost-cutting—reducing the team's cash spending in preparation for a shift in how the roster is built. Having quarterback Brock Purdy on a rookie contract these past three seasons allowed for significant financial flexibility. That will no longer be the case once Purdy signs a contract extension, which is expected to make him one of the NFL's highest-paid players.
The 49ers also parted with defensive linemen Javon Hargrave, Leonard Floyd, and Maliek Collins, creating a significant need in the trenches. While some of those departing had injury concerns, Floyd and Collins played all 17 games last season, making the decision to release them particularly difficult.
"The bottom line is you're always looking at years out (from now)," Lynch said. "And we forecast it and we've got some big things coming our way. And you have to clear the requisite room to be able to do that. And you don't want to get to a point where you have to do things to keep your roster afloat. You want to have that flexibility."
One of those "big things" is Purdy's impending deal, which Lynch declined to discuss, along with potential extensions for linebacker Fred Warner and tight end George Kittle in the pipeline.
Lynch acknowledged a reset was inevitable, especially after going all-in last offseason. Injuries derailed the 49ers' 2024 campaign, resulting in just six wins and a last-place finish in the NFC West.
"They were great," Lynch said of Floyd and Collins. "It was nothing they did wrong. We just felt like it was the time to do it and we're excited about what we can add and replenish."
Mac Jones joins the QB room
Head coach Kyle Shanahan was high on Mac Jones ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft and considered using the No. 3 overall pick on the quarterback before the team opted for Trey Lance. Ultimately—and somewhat unexpectedly—the 49ers found their long-term starter in Purdy the next year.
But it was too good an opportunity to pass up when Jones became available this offseason. The 49ers now appear set at quarterback with Purdy, Jones, and Tanner Mordecai, who spent last season on the practice squad. Does that eliminate the possibility of another move?
"I think we're pretty good," Lynch said before adding, "You never close the door."