The 49ers underwent a significant roster overhaul this offseason following a disappointing 6-11 campaign. Key contributors such as linebacker Dre Greenlaw, cornerback Charvarius Ward, safety Talanoa Hufanga, and wide receiver Deebo Samuel are gone, along with several defensive linemen.
San Francisco restocked its roster through the draft, bringing in 11 rookies the team hopes can make immediate impacts. Combined with improved injury luck, Johnson sees a clear path for the 49ers to bounce back.
During a segment on FS1's Speak, Johnson pointed to Samuel, who was traded to the Washington Commanders, as the most notable departure, but acknowledged his production had dipped.
"You still got [RB] Christian McCaffery," Johnson said, "you still got [WR Brandon] Aiyuk, you still got [LB] Fred Warner, you still got [QB] Brock Purdy and [TE George] Kittle and [OL] Trent Williams. So, you still got [DE Nick] Bosa and company. They still there.
"And I love when people [talk about] the losses for the 49ers. The real loss is Deebo Samuel, because when you look at the other players, like [RB] Elijah Mitchell and [OL] Jaylon Moore and [OL] Aaron Banks, they're guys, but they're not the frontline guys."
He continued, "Hufanga was a frontline guy, but often injured—a lot. Greenlaw was a frontline guy, but often injured. They had planned on moving on from them."
Johnson also doesn't see the defensive line changes as a major setback, arguing that players like Leonard Floyd are replaceable. He believes the team addressed those needs through the draft and the trade for Bryce Huff.
"So, they didn't lose the type of pieces that we think," Johnson added. "They lost some numbers, but they replaced those numbers in free agency and through the draft. I don't think they're going to fall off at all. I think the culture is still there and their window for the Super Bowl is still wide open."
H/t to Nick Avila of NBC Sports Bay Area for the find.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Young 49ers wide receiver turned heads at OTAs
The San Francisco 49ers overhauled their wide receiver room this offseason, adding Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and rookie De'Zhaun Stribling to help replace departed veterans Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, and Skyy Moore. Meanwhile, Brandon Aiyuk is widely expected to be off... -
49ers named potential trade fit for 5-time Pro Bowl cornerback
It seems like nearly every NFL trade rumor eventually involves the San Francisco 49ers. After all, the team is looking to keep pace with the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks in what could be the NFL's toughest division. Most speculation has centered on the 49ers adding... -
Report: 49ers exploring possible relocation of practice facilities
The San Francisco 49ers have invested heavily in their current practice facility in Santa Clara, California, which sits adjacent to Levi's Stadium and serves as the team's headquarters. However, with limited room for expansion, only so much can be done. It turns out, the... -
49ers QB Mac Jones on likelihood of a trade: "Anything's possible"
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones is entering the 2026 season amid lingering questions about his future. Still, the organization has made it clear it wants him to remain on the roster under the two-year deal he signed last year. Still, league chatter suggested a...