Unfortunately, their efforts to rejuvenate the defensive front didn't produce the desired results. While Leonard Floyd's performance wasn't poor, he didn't have the game-changing impact general manager John Lynch likely envisioned when signing him. The team also signed Yetur Gross-Matos and Jordan Elliott to fortify the trenches and traded for Maliek Collins.
Among those acquisitions, Wasserman identified Elliott as the 49ers' worst signing of 2024.
"Elliott struggled in what could be his lone season in San Francisco, as he did during his four years in Cleveland," Wasserman explained. "His 47.6 overall grade is actually the second-highest of his career, but it certainly isn't the mark of a starting-caliber player."
Elliott registered just seven total pressures in 213 pass-rushing snaps and failed to record a single sack. With a $3.4 million cap hit in 2025, the 49ers could save over $2.9 million by designating him as a post-June 1 release.
As for the 49ers' best signing, Wasserman's pick may surprise fans. He chose cornerback Isaac Yiadom, a relatively under-the-radar player who didn't garner much attention during the season.
Yiadom is among several 49ers players set to hit free agency in March, but Wasserman's choice might reflect the overall lack of impact from the team's 2024 free-agent class, resulting in few options for him to pick from. He certainly doesn't sound enthusiastic about the selection.
"The 49ers quietly had a relatively unproductive free-agent class this season," Wasserman noted. "Yiadom was one of the better players, but even his production is highlighted by a 76.1 run-defense grade that doesn't do much to counter his 55.3 coverage grade."
While the 49ers aimed high in free agency, the results left much to be desired, contributing to the team's disappointing 6-11 campaign.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers vs. Eagles PFF grades: Best, worst, and snap counts from the Wild Card win
The San Francisco 49ers beat the Philadelphia Eagles 23-19 during the Wild Card round of the playoffs. Today, Pro Football Focus released its grades and snap counts from the game. Which Niners stood out, and who needs more work? Highest-graded 49ers: Offense Demarcus... -
49ers vs. Seahawks PFF grades: Best and worst from the game, plus snap counts
The San Francisco 49ers finished the 2025 regular season with a 12-5 record after a 13-3 loss against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18. Today, Pro Football Focus released its grades and snap counts from the game. Which Niners stood out, and who needs more work? Highest-graded... -
Saquon Barkley praises 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey: 'He's one of the best to ever do it'
Saquon Barkley will aim to run over the San Francisco 49ers defense on Sunday, hoping to help his Philadelphia Eagles advance to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. His counterpart, 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey, will look to do the same. Though they'll be... -
Bucky Brooks: Why the Eagles are the 49ers' best playoff matchup
While many view the Philadelphia Eagles as one of the toughest possible playoff matchups for the San Francisco 49ers, NFL analyst Bucky Brooks sees it differently. In fact, Brooks believes the Eagles may be the best matchup the 49ers could have drawn and explained why during a...