4 SF 49ers who don’t deserve another season in 2022

The 49ers hold a Super Bowl-caliber roster entering 2022, but these four players shouldn’t be involved in that formula to help reach a championship.

One of the chief elements both San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan operate under is the desire to improve their roster wherever possible.

For the most part, the Niners’ roster heading into 2022 is stacked and poised to compete for a Super Bowl. Yet one of the examples of Lynch and Shanahan trying to upgrade is the high-profile shift from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to the 2021 rookie, Trey Lance, a move that’s intended to give Shanahan’s offense a lot more firepower in the coming years.

Yet there are plenty of other areas in need of support and upgrades, both in terms of starters and immediate reserve players.

A number of players underachieved last season, leaving a lot to be desired. As such, San Francisco should boast zero reason to bring these four players in particular back under any circumstances in 2022.

No. 4: 49ers wide receiver Mohamed Sanu

It’s kind of an unfair judgment call here, but it makes sense. The 49ers have no reason to retain veteran wide receiver Mohamed Sanu next season.

Granted, Sanu provided a veteran presence in the locker room amid a primarily young receiving corps, and his tutelage for two-year pro wideout Brandon Aiyuk can’t be understated. Yet Sanu, dealing with injuries for much of 2021, was limited to just 15 receptions for 177 yards and no touchdowns over just eight games played, and his role as a big slot was effectively taken over by second-year pro Jauan Jennings as the season drew on.

Turning 33 years old before the start of the upcoming season, Sanu has essentially done his job with the Niners, and it’s up to the returning cast of receivers to take what he taught them and do the most with it.

As far as a roster spot, it would be much better for San Francisco to save Sanu’s spot for someone else in 2022.