Notable departures include Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, Charvarius Ward, Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and Leonard Floyd. In their place, rookies like Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, Nick Martin, Upton Stout, CJ West, and Marques Sigle are expected to step in and fill the void.
ESPN highlighted the top storyline for each NFL team ahead of minicamps. With the 49ers set to hold theirs on Tuesday and Wednesday, ESPN's Nick Wagoner identified the defense's transformation as San Francisco's most compelling storyline.
"San Francisco said goodbye to its coordinator and nine defenders who started at least one game last season," Wagoner wrote. "To try to return that group to previously dominant levels, the 49ers dipped into their successful past, bringing back coordinator Robert Saleh."
Saleh is widely considered one of the 49ers' most impactful offseason additions. The franchise is banking on his ability to revitalize a unit that underperformed in 2024. San Francisco used six of its 11 draft picks—including the first five—on defensive players, signaling a clear commitment to rebuilding that side of the ball.
"Saleh has built San Francisco's defense from the ground up before, and though he has some core guys at the center of the group this time, the rebuild won't be easy," Wagoner continued.
"The mandatory minicamp offers a closer look at how Saleh will make the pieces, including three potential rookie starters on the defensive line, fit into a scheme he said has evolved since 2020 when he was last San Francisco's coordinator."
As the 49ers prepare for a crucial 2025 campaign, attempting to bounce back from a disappointing 6-11 season, all eyes will be on how quickly the new-look defense can gel under Saleh's leadership.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers mailbag: Who will start at LB? Will Trent Williams, Ricky Pearsall play? How can SF score against Philly's defense?
It's postseason time, and the San Francisco 49ers are gearing up to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in the Wild Card round of the NFC playoffs. The team will fly to the East Coast for the matchup. And it won't be easy to come away with a win. The Eagles have a talented... -
49ers will travel to Philadelphia for NFC Wild Card Game on Jan 11
The San Francisco 49ers will travel to Philadelphia to play the defending Super Bowl Champion Eagles next weekend in the Wild Card round of the NFC playoffs. The 49ers are the 6th seed in the NFC, which means they will play a much tougher opening round game than if they had... -
San Francisco 49ers opponents for 2026 season announced
The 2026 opponents for the San Francisco 49ers have been announced. The 49ers finished third in the NFC West and will play a third-place schedule next season. The 49ers will have nine home games and will go on the road eight times. Here are the 2026 opponents: Home Las Vegas... -
49ers vs. Seahawks injury report: Fred Warner practices, other updates
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Divisional Round playoff contest against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. Safety Marques Sigle appears to be trending toward a starting role this weekend for the 49ers. Ji'Ayir Brown, who...