By Jacob Bugarin
The San Francisco 49ers went 6-11 this NFL season and are dead last in the NFC West. There were many struggles this season for the 49ers, including injuries, off the field problems, and struggles on the field with not being able to produce like last year. Even with a rough year like this, the 49ers have to take full advantage of the offseason.
The 49ers have a to-do list. They need to be able to knock out all these in order to maximize their chances for another playoff run.
49ers To-Do List:
- Extend Brock Purdy
Really no surprise here. Brock Purdy has been a leader to the 49ers, and the locker room loves the guy. Purdy has been only getting paid $985,000 for this 2024 season. He needs to get paid after his three seasons he spent with the team.
If the 49ers get this deal done sooner, there won’t be any offseason drama when training camp rolls around.
- Hire a Defensive Coordinator
The 49ers defensive coordinator is now open for hiring after Nick Sorensen was demoted from that job. The 49ers need a coordinator who is experienced and able to unlock the defense’s strength. One possible coordinator for the 49ers, Robert Saleh, was a former defensive coordinator in the 49ers Super Bowl run.
This is one of the most important things on the to-do list because it can make or break the 49ers’ defense next year.
- Resigning 49ers free agents
Many players from the 49ers are going to hit free agency due to contracts ending, but key players such as linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga are going to hit the market if not re-signed.
One player that is not going to return is star cornerback Charvarius Ward, who needs a fresh start after having a bad experience in California. Resigning Dre Greenlaw would be impactful for this defense, since he and Fred Warner make a great duo.
- Investing in the offensive line
Either in the draft or free agency, the 49ers NEED an offensive line to be able to protect Brock Purdy. According to PFF (Pro Football Focus), the o-line was ranked 24th in the league. Drafting an offensive tackle or guard would be beneficial for the 49ers.
Teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Chargers built their offensive line well and are able to protect their quarterback and create openings in the run. The 49ers need to be able to invest.
- Bolster the interior defensive line
The 49ers are known for having a strong defensive line that is able to stuff the run and pressure the quarterback. Lately it hasn’t been the case: the interior D-line has been a weak point where teams find easy holes to run through. Bolster up the line, and the 49ers will have their defense set.
- Find a perimeter cornerback
If Charvarius Ward leaves, the 49ers will need another corner to fill in that spot. The 49ers were able to find two good corners in rookie Renardo Green and breakout star Deommodore Lenior.
Now they need a third cornerback star, which they will be able to steal a good corner from free agency or draft.
- Get younger/Draft really good
The 49ers do have an aging roster. Our star players are around 27-30 years old. When the 49ers gave up three first-round picks during 2021, it has impacted this team really badly.
This team drafted well in 2024, adding to have rookies to make an impact, but the 49ers need to draft even better in 2025. If the 49ers can get rookies who can impact the team and help replace aging star players, the 49ers will be set for the future.
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