SAN FRANCISCO –The NFC West is going through a pivotal offseason. The Seahawks traded Geno Smith and DK Metcalf, the Rams signed Davante Adams and released Cooper Kupp, while the Arizona Cardinals signed Josh Sweat to bolster its defense. Every team is heading into a new era, with the San Francisco 49ers heading in the wrong direction.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!NFL Free agency is less than a week old, and the 49ers have already lost 12 players via trade, cutting, or signing with a new team. It is a complete overhaul for San Francisco, and the pressure weighs on Queen Creek, Arizona native Brock Purdy’s shoulder.
Dec 4, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
The 2024 season was a rough one for the 49ers. Coming off a heartbreaking overtime Super Bowl loss, San Francisco came into the season with revenge on its mind. However, the revenge tour turned into a retirement tour, with a laundry list of injuries to key players like tackle Trent Williams, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, and superstar running back Christian McCaffrey.
The 49ers dragged themselves to the finish line at 6-11, last in the NFC West for the first time since 2020. Purdy tried to navigate through the hectic season but saw a dip in his production, throwing 3,864 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Dec 4, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws the ball under pressure from Miami Dolphins offensive linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The end of a disastrous year only got worse, with key players leaving in the offseason. The departure of players might signify that 2024 could be a sign of the franchise’s future.
Departing SF 49ers this offseason:
- WR Deebo Samuel
- FB Kyle Juszczyk
- DE Leonard Floyd
- DT Javon Hargrave
- DT Maliek Collins
- LB Dre Greenlaw
- CB Charvarius Ward
- S Talanoa Hufanga
- G Aaron Banks
- OT Jaylon Moore
- RB Elijah Mitchell
- QB Josh Dobbs
The 49ers lose key starters on offense and defense, meaning it’ll need to rely on Purdy to carry the slack. The former Perry Puma quarterback will need a massive resurgence to compensate for the loss of talent. San Francisco still possesses an ample amount of offensive weapons for Purdy.
Dec 15, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) celebrates with tight end George Kittle (85) during the late fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle are at the pinnacle of their positions, while the rise of Jauan Jennings was a welcome sight for Purdy. Former ASU wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk dealt with injuries and is primed to return to his 1000-yard season standards. The offensive pieces are there with the mastermind of head coach Kyle Shanahan still in the driver’s seat.
Jan 28, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) celebrates with the George Halas Trophy after winning the NFC Championship football game against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Losing defensive pieces like Floyd, Hargrave, and Greenlaw is massive for a defense that was 27th in scoring. However, the 49ers are staying busy in free agency to try to fill the holes, signing young prospects like 25-year-old safety Jason Pinnock to try and find a spark heading into 2025.
Regardless, the 49ers’ success relies on the play of Purdy. The 25-year-old is heading into his fourth season and the final year of his contract. If the two sides can’t agree, Purdy will be playing for his next contract in 2025. San Francisco has had the privilege of having their Pro Bowl quarterback playing for pennies, but now it’s time for him to seek the reward.
A motivated Purdy playing to ensure a massive payday might work in the favor of the 49ers to have a bounce-back year and return for a possible Super Bowl run.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
