Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 5 Players Facing a Make-or-Break Season in 2016

By Peter Panacy

Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Quinton Patton (11) shows off his grill prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Quinton Patton (11) shows off his grill prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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The San Francisco 49ers are going through a major roster overhaul, which means a number of other players may be pushed by the wayside when the 2016 NFL season is complete. Niner Noise looks at five 49ers who are facing a make-or-break season this year.

November 27, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes the football against San Francisco 49ers defensive end Tank Carradine (95) during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 19-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 27, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes the football against San Francisco 49ers defensive end Tank Carradine (95) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 19-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Nothing is ever guaranteed in the NFL, nor does anything last forever.

Such is the case with the San Francisco 49ers — a team undergoing a major transformation from the successes enjoyed earlier in the decade.

With the 2016 season just around the corner, the 49ers are tasked with formulating a roster which includes a plethora of young, up-and-coming talent. It’s a daunting task and one without any proven or guaranteed formula.

But this means other players will have to go. In many cases, “washed up” or underachieving players eventually get passed over by more promising contributors.

Many of these decisions will come during training camp and the preseason — a phase when many a veteran on the roster bubble is cut before ever seeing action in Week 1.

We won’t focus on that group though. At least not yet. Instead, Niner Noise takes a look at five players — all of whom are likely to make the roster (we’ll state why) — and break down why each player is facing a make-or-break season in 2016.

In short, these guys will have to do more than just prove they belong at the NFL level. They’ll have to showcase why the 49ers will want to keep them around for the long haul.

Next: No. 5: Safety Antoine Bethea