The 49ers’ three most pressing requirements going into the summer
This past season, the San Francisco 49ers were one game shy of their 2023 goals. Naturally, over the past week or so, all of the off-season queries and worries have gotten out of hand.
The 49ers are currently cap-constrained, with an estimated $500k remaining. This is the issue, though. However, if 49ers front office executive John Lynch and general manager John Lynch tinker with contract restructures and other things, that might change. The Red & Gold may free up about $55 million in salary space if some important players agree to restructures, making those talks even more complicated.
But once more, those are talks about the future and are too complicated for the majority of us outsiders to fully comprehend.
In order for the 49ers to succeed in the upcoming season, they would need to make significant cap room available in the following categories.
Line of Offense
In Super Bowl LVIII, one thing became clear: Brock Purdy needs stronger pass protection.
In the 49ers’ game against the Chiefs, the quarterback experienced pressure on more than half of his dropbacks. It eventually overpowered the gunslinger, resulting in two third-down conversions that were not made in overtime or the fourth quarter. Those plays would have resulted in first downs and possibly a Super Bowl victory for San Francisco if Purdy had had more time in the pocket.
As easy as that.
However, the past is history, and the 49ers’ only current option is to improve their preparation for the future. This calls for strengthening the 49ers’ pass defense, which was rated 26th in the NFL the previous campaign.
Spencer Burford, a right guard in his second season who had a dreadful Pro Football Focus grade of 50.4, was a major contributor to the letdown. 2023 saw the start of his sophomore decline following a strong Year 1. As much as the 49ers desire to develop internally, the right side of the line needs to improve in terms of protection.
The 49ers would be strengthened by the availability of the following right guards:
Nick Allegretti
Cody Whitehair
Cleveland Ezra
Cleveland is the largest fish in the group; the 49ers expressed interest in him during the 2023 trade deadline. But he’s expected to want a high salary after that, which makes him probably unrealistic. The other two men are experienced professionals who ought to be paid less. Based on 2023 production, Allegretti is superior (68.7 PFF grade).
Additionally, SF ought to think about re-signing Jon Feliciano for a number of years.
When paired with Burford in a platoon, the seasoned OL demonstrated his superiority in 2023. With an 81.2 PFF score, he concluded his rookie season in Red & Gold as one of the NFL’s top run blockers. It would be profitable to bring Feliciano back on a short-term contract costing $5 million per year.
Regarding the right tackle position, Colton McKivitz performed admirably as a rookie. But the 49ers ought to, if they can make an upgrade there.
Two choices exist for free agency:
Trent Brown
Eluemunor Jermaine
Both men, notably Brown, would make instant improvements in pass specialists and both had higher PFF rankings for 2023.
However, the 49ers would have to shell out a significant sum of money to make it happen.
The Defensive Coordinator on the Right
It’s one thing to find a defensive coordinator, but as 2023 showed, the 49ers must select the RIGHT DC in order to enhance their defense.
Under Steve Wilks, that did not occur in 2023, especially in run defense. However, there were more reasons for concern, as pass-happy quarterbacks tormented the 49ers in both the regular and postseason. The NFL’s red-zone defense also declined, ranking 16th.
Good enough, but not exceptional given The Bay’s quality.
As I mentioned last week, Mike Vrabel and Bill Belichick are the clear big fish on the market. Will they both be okay with deferring to Kyle Shanahan’s strategies, though? Perhaps, perhaps not.
Over the past week or two, rumors about the 49ers’ plans to move forward with the DC have been circulating among the team’s players. Tim Kawakami of The Athletic reports that New York Jets DC Jeff Ulbrich is a coach to keep an eye on.
A former player with the 49ers, he has experience with the tactics of the current regime and knows what it takes. Not a poor call.
With a hire like this, the 49ers regime’s preference for conformity is the only thing to be concerned about.The Kansas City Chiefs suffered another Super Bowl defeat as a result of the Wilks’ hiring, which bit them in the rear in the closing minutes.
Because he is safe and is familiar with the system, Lynch and Shanahan could choose the next man as a result.
All I can say is, don’t give up on comfort here. Due to past missteps, there are now so many Brandon Staleys in the world. That also applies to Steve Wilks, a gifted defensive thinker who wasn’t a good match for the 49ers’ squad.
Heads will start to roll if the 49ers management doesn’t get this recruitment right. Put egos aside and go big-fish hunting if that’s what it takes to achieve it.
The 49ers faithful have also come to trust Lynch and Shanahan, so please be patient. For the time being. If Wilks’ replacement is the correct man, time will tell; nevertheless, don’t let it come down to simply doing what Shannahan wants.
Play Defense
Returning to Wilk’s 49ers defense, they were terrible at containing the run.
The two seasons before Wilks arrived, the 49ers ranked first and second in run defense. NFL ranking 26th under Wilks.
Considering the 49ers added defensive line talent last season, this decline is startling.
There’s no doubt that Wilks’s coverage-heavy plan contributed to that. However, the players are ultimately responsible for making the plays. And the 49ers should do so right away if they can provide further support in the trenches.
A few defensive tackles like this would strengthen the team:
Grover Stewart
Jones, Justin
Jefferson Quinton
Guy Lawrence
Similar to the offensive line, the first two players would be more likely to demand a higher salary than the final two. Jones in particular, who at the age of 27 just finished a season with 49 tackles and five sacks. For DL coach Kris Kocurek, though, the more space the 49ers can clear, the better.
The 49ers might use the other two, who are veterans, in rotational roles. In particular, Guy, who in 14 seasons amassed over 500 career tackles. With 34 tackles and six sacks in 2023, Jefferson was even more impressive.
Both guys would be excellent additions to the 49ers roster in 2024.
Several DLs from San Francisco, including Javon Kinlaw, will be eligible for free agency next month. Resigning the South Carolina alumnus should be a top priority. Lynch ought to sign a two-year, $8–$10 million contract if they can get him back.
Important dates in the San Francisco 49ers’ offseason
Teams can start franchising players on Tuesday, February 20 and continue until Tuesday, March 5.
Feb. 27, Tuesday: NFL Combine kicks off
The 2024 free agency signing session opens on Thursday, March 13 at 1:00 PM PST.
