Why the 49ers should move on from these 3 players in 2020
By Elvis Jerez
The San Francisco 49ers have enjoyed a stellar season in 2019 thanks to a star-studded lineup. However, these three players could likely don a new uniform in 2020.
13-3. At the start of the 2019 season, few could have predicted the San Francisco 49ers would be sitting at 13-3 atop the NFC standings. Few likely predicted the team would win the NFC West, let alone secure the No. 1 seed in the conference’s playoff picture.
But that’s how things panned out, thanks to some finishing touches to the roster from general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan. Continued and developed play from a number of players helped drive this, which ultimately led the team to where it is now: getting into the postseason picture for the first time since 2014.
The 49ers have had many returning players continue to build on what they began last year, while rookies showcased their talent, justifying their selection onto the 53-man roster. A number of longer-tenured players also proved their value to the roster. This is true on offense and defense.
What’s also true on both sides of the ball is that several players have performed below expectations to a degree where they might not be back in 2020. On top of that, the Niners strive to consistently improve the roster, which can ultimately mean good players end up being replaced by better options.
Some find themselves in this situation by easier means than others. A number are pending free agents once the 2020 NFL new year begins. Others, meanwhile, are still under contract with San Francisco. But with the ever-shifting landscape of team rosters, including cuts and trades, a number of players could wind up not seeing the full length of their contracts with the 49ers pan out.
Niner Noise takes a look at three such players, to whom San Francisco will most certainly say goodbye this upcoming offseason.