It was a Murphy’s Law season for the San Francisco 49ers.
Injuries ate a talented San Francisco team alive, and there was little that young franchise quarterback Brock Purdy or revered head coach Kyle Shanahan could do to save the 49ers from a stunning last-place result.
The good news is that leaves the Niners with the No. 11 overall pick. Combine that with the fact that, according to Spotrac, they’re one of just nine teams with more than $50 million in salary-cap space, and there’s little reason for fans to panic.
As the organization embarks on a critical and potentially exciting offseason, here’s how we’d prioritize the decisions that loom.
6. QB2
The decision: Both Joshua Dobbs and Brandon Allen are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents in March, and neither was impressive in relief of Brock Purdy in 2024. The 49ers oughta consider bringing in a proven veteran that they can rely on in the event of a Purdy injury (or regression).
What they should do: Bring back Sam Darnold and have him compete with Purdy, leaving them with a top-notch backup regardless.
What they will do: They’ve been tied to the 40-year-old Joe Flacco, which isn’t a terrible alternative considering his experience and a likely lower price tag.
5. Keep Deebo or Move On?
The decision: Even when healthy, veteran receiver Deebo Samuel’s productivity fell off a cliff in ’24. The team can save more than $5 million by cutting the 29-year-old with a post-June 1 designation, which could be tempting considering the depth they have at offensive skill positions.
What they should do: Give Samuel one more season, because he’s still a unique offensive weapon and those cap savings aren’t team-changing. Even if it’s spread out, a $31 million dead-cap charge is tough to swallow in a case like this.
What they will do: Exactly that.
4. No. 11 Overall Pick
The decision: For the first time since 2021, the Niners have a pick inside the top 30. It’s imperative that they land an impact player who can step in and contribute right away while this Super Bowl window remains open.
What they should do: With all they’ve invested in the offense outside of the line, it’s time to offer Purdy and Co. more support by way of a Day 1 right tackle who can ideally replace the 36-year-old Trent Williams long-term. Ohio State’s Josh Simmons makes the most sense.
What they will do: Take the best player available.
3. Free Agent Talanoa Hufanga
The decision: It’s a conundrum. As a sophomore in 2022, the safety was a first-team All-Pro with four interceptions, two sacks and two forced fumbles. Ever since, injuries have prevented him from continuing down that path. Hufanga was only a fifth-round pick, but he might not be cheap to retain because of that big ’22 campaign. He is slated to hit free agency next month.
What they should do: Move on unless they can get him back on a one-year prove-it deal. The risk is too high that he’ll go down as a one-hit wonder.
What they will do: Get outbid by a team that is more desperate than them.
2. Free Agent Dre Greenlaw
The decision: The team’s biggest name among impending unrestricted free agents is a critical cog, and that was evidenced by how much they struggled while he missed the vast majority of the 2024 season due to a torn Achilles tendon.
What they should do: Considering that he’s been pretty healthy in four of his six seasons and that he’s a key piece, the 49ers should take advantage of a slightly reduced price as a result of his 2024 injury and lock up the 27-year-old to a new long-term deal.
What they will do: I have a feeling they’ll give him a one-year prove-it deal, which is fine except that it could cost them his services come 2026.
1. Brock Purdy Extension?
The decision: The so-called franchise quarterback is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and the team seems determined to sign him to a long-term contract. The question is probably not if but when (and for how much).
What they should do: Wait it out. You can have him for just $5.3 million this year, and the franchise tag remains in your back pocket beyond that. Purdy has surpassed all expectations as a seventh-round pick, but he still has plenty to prove.
What they will do: Wait it out, but not long enough. Watch for this to linger for much of the offseason before they make something happen a la Brandon Aiyuk in 2024.
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