NFL Trade Rumors
Projected Cap Space: $43.3 million
Draft Picks: 11
Notable Free Agents:
1 – Defensive Line
When the 49ers have been at the peak of their powers over the last several years, a huge factor in their success has been a dominant defense fueled by a ferocious pass rush. In the last six seasons, the 49ers have reached the conference championship game or further four times. In the years they did, San Francisco ranked top five in either scoring or total defense and recorded at least 44 sacks. In the years they didn’t, 2020 and 2024, they had 30 and 37 sacks and fell all the way to 17th and 29th in scoring defense, respectively.
To get back to the top of the mountain again, the 49ers have to renew their commitment to the defensive line. Defensive tackle in particular needs a lot of attention, as the 49ers are set to lose Hargrave after trading away DL Arik Armstead last offseason. There’s an argument to be made two new starters are needed, though the 49ers employ a heavy rotation.
The other defensive end spot across from Nick Bosa has also been a persistent rotating door. San Francisco is bringing back veterans Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos and 2022 second-round DE Drake Jackson will get one last chance to grow into a role. There’s room for the 49ers to upgrade here, however, as they seek a return to excellence.
2 – Offensive Tackle
49ers LT Trent Williams is still one of the best in the league at his position. But he’s turning 37 years old in July and played just 10 games last year, tied for the lowest mark of his career. Across from him, starting 49ers RT Colton McKivitz is a replaceable level starter. San Francisco has room to both upgrade from McKivitz and find a long-term heir to Williams.
The interior offensive line could also probably use attention with Banks, the starting left guard, ticketed for free agency and likely to find more money than the 49ers want to pay. However, the organizational philosophy in San Francisco has been that they can find quality interior linemen without breaking the bank. That approach will probably continue and it’ll be interesting to see if they extend it to include tackle, which generally is seen as a more premium position.
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