While the 49ers aren't widely viewed as favorites to win the NFC West, Te'o believes they remain one of the conference's most dangerous teams.
Much of the attention in the division has centered on the Los Angeles Rams after their blockbuster acquisition of superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett. The Seattle Seahawks, meanwhile, enter the season as the defending Super Bowl champions.
Despite the stiff competition within the division, Te'o believes the 49ers have the talent to make significant noise in the NFC.
"I do look at the San Francisco 49ers, and Kyle Shanahan, and all the guys that they have—this is the best wide receiver corps that Brock Purdy has ever thrown to, with Mike Evans and company," Te'o explained. "You have George Kittle. And then, you have Nick Bosa, and you have Fred Warner, and you've got Dre Greenlaw, and all of those guys are coming back."
The addition of Evans was one of San Francisco's biggest offseason moves. The veteran receiver headlines a retooled wide receiver room that also includes newcomer Christian Kirk and rookie De'Zhaun Stribling. The 49ers made those additions after moving on from Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, and Skyy Moore.
Te'o isn't necessarily predicting a division title for San Francisco. Instead, he believes the 49ers remain a legitimate contender that opponents should not underestimate.
"I mean, it's going to be a battle in the NFC West," Te'o added, "so I'm not sounding the alarm that they're not the favorite in the NFC West, but I am sounding the alarm that if you don't be careful, the San Francisco 49ers are one of the best teams in the NFC in general.
"And if you forgot, there was a time where they could have been the number one seed in the NFC, and they didn't have anybody playing for them."
After an injury-riddled 2025 campaign derailed their championship hopes, better health in 2025 could make the 49ers one of the NFC's most formidable contenders.
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