Emmanuel Moseley flourished in Witherspoon's absence and even started in place of a health Witherspoon during the NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl LIV. San Francisco finished the regular season with the No. 1 ranked pass defense last year.
General manager John Lynch spoke with reporters today via a Zoom video conference and called 2020 a "big year" for Witherspoon.
"This is a big year for Ahkello — no doubt about it," Lynch said, "and he's got to show it on the field. I remember drafting him some years ago, and all of the qualities (we saw then) we still see. Now, he's got to just consistently put it to work."
Lynch noted that he is well-aware that the 49ers have several cornerbacks who are approaching the ends of their contracts, including Witherspoon. That could impact the team's draft strategy this year. It's a situation Lynch and the Niners are monitoring closely.
It's also a big year for defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, who is entering his fourth NFL season. Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan made Thomas their first-ever draft pick, selecting him No. 3 overall in 2017.
While Thomas hasn't put up the numbers one might expect from a top-3 pick, Lynch expects the 24-year-old defender to see his role expand this season. Some of that may have to do with the departure of Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who was shipped to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for the No. 13 overall pick. Lynch mentioned Thomas while sharing which defensive lineman the team has confidence in to step up and full the void.
"Solomon Thomas is a guy we felt played well last season in a role," Lynch said, "and that role will expand next season."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers injury update: John Lynch addresses George Kittle's status for Bears game
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on Friday. He discussed the status of tight end George Kittle, who is recovering from an ankle injury suffered Monday night against the Indianapolis Colts. The setback has put Kittle's... -
49ers injury update: John Lynch doesn't rule out Fred Warner's playoff return
The San Francisco 49ers aren't ruling out the possibility that star linebacker Fred Warner could return this postseason. Warner suffered a dislocated and fractured right ankle in Week 6, and early expectations were that he wouldn't play again until next year. Now, that timeline... -
John Lynch: 49ers plan to make it 'very attractive' for Robert Saleh to stay
The San Francisco 49ers are focused on closing out the regular season strong and positioning themselves for a deep playoff run. Still, one offseason storyline is already drawing attention—and could surface even before the postseason ends. What happens with defensive... -
John Lynch says 49ers QB Brock Purdy "ready for the moment"
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy's opportunity in the NFL first came as a rookie in 2022, when starters Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo were both lost for the season due to injuries. All Purdy did was lead his team on a win streak that took the 49ers to the NFC...