The 49ers have had some dynamic offenses in the history of the franchise. But, what if those offenses could somehow play together?
Since the birth of the franchise, the San Francisco 49ers have had some legendary players. To date, they boast 22 Hall of Fame inductees. These players, along with a very good supporting cast, have accounted for five Super Bowl victories and 18 NFC Championship games played.
Previously, we looked at the very best all-time drafted Niners players.
Now let’s look at the greatest offensive players of all-time that have worn the red jersey.
All-time best 49ers quarterbacks
Joe Montana and Steve Young are by far the most successful quarterbacks in Niners history, we all know that. But, what the 1987 Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn’t know is that Young was far from a draft bust.
We could take it a step further and say that when Young was acquired, Montana never would’ve guessed that three years later he would lose his starting job to that same potential draft bust following a season-ending injury.
Despite their setbacks, both quarterbacks celebrated success and brought dominance to every performance. Together they account for 15 Pro Bowls, six All-Pro nominations, 70,000 passing yards and over 500 touchdowns.
However, amid all their amazing stats and accolades, by far the most incredible feat is that the 49ers had both of them as franchise leaders, consecutively.
Very few teams in history have done that, lightning struck twice for San Francisco, and in lieu of the torch passing, the team was able to stay competitive for two decades.
Both Montana and Young own records in the postseason that, so far, no one has been able to beat.
Joe Montana
Montana led his team to an impressive 55-10 victory over the Denver Broncos, both the points for, and the victory margin are Super Bowl records.
Stat line: 164 starts, 117 wins, 63.2 cmp%, 40,551 yards, 273 TDs
Steve Young
Young owns the fastest touchdown in Super Bowl history, a score to Jerry Rice in 1:24, and most touchdowns in a game with six.
Stat line: 143 starts, 94 wins, 64.3 cmp% 33,124 yards, 232 TDs
They both were effective leaders that played confident and decisive football. It’s hard to say who would start on Week 1 with both of them on the roster, but one thing is for sure, it really doesn’t matter.
All-time best 49ers running backs
To make it in the playoffs, it takes one of two things: a dominant defense or a successful rushing attack.
If every NFL team had a stable of running backs like this, a deep playoff run would be expected every year whether they had a defense or not.
Roger Craig
Roger Craig was a multi-skilled back in the 1980s who was equally talented in both the rushing and the passing game. He gave Joe Montana a reliable option and a chance at a first down when all other options were not an option.
Stat line: 1991 rushes, 8,189 yards, 56 TDs, 566 receptions, 4,911 yards, 17 TDs
Garrison Hearst
Garrison Hearst owned the 1990s with his power running and breakaway speed. He had a knack for running away with the game, or coming up big when things looked bleak.
Stat line: 1,831 rushes for 7,966 yards, 30 TDs, 229 receptions, 2,065, 9 TDs
Frank Gore
Frank Gore shocked the world in the 2000s, after two career-ending knee injuries in college and went on to become the oldest active running back in history. He didn’t just defy the odds, he carried a roster on his back through a rebuild and straight into the NFC Championship game.
Stat line: 3,735 rushes, 16,000 yards, 81 TDs, 484 receptions, 3,985 yards, 18 TDs
Christian McCaffrey
Christian McCaffrey is an absolute phenom. His breakaway speed is second to none, and his ability to pass, run and catch makes him the most versatile player in the game. His Swiss Army knife-style of play makes him a chameleon in every situation.
Stat line: 1,025 rushes, 4,726 yards, 38 TDs, 442 receptions, 3,756, 22 TDs
A running back squad of this caliber is every head coach’s dream, but it would probably suit current head coach Kyle Shanahan the best. It would be a Pro Bowl-caliber, running back-by-committee style offense, and that is every bit his style.
Each of these running backs varies in skill set and ability, but amid their differences, they share one major thing in common: Each one is arguably the best of their decade for the franchise.
All-time best 49ers wide receivers
This positional group has got to be, by far, the strongest squad on the offense. The amount of total touchdowns all-time and 1,000-yard seasons here is obscene.
Jerry Rice
Jerry Rice is the “Mount Everest” of wide receivers.
He leads in just about every career category and owns multiple regular and postseason records as well. And, you guessed it, he owns Super Bowl records that probably won’t fall anytime soon (if ever). He played 15 years for San Francisco, 20 in total, and posted 11 straight thousand-yard seasons.
He capped off his amazing run for the 49ers by being carried off the field following his last game and ended his legendary career enshrined in Canton.
Stat line: 1,549 receptions for 22,895 yards, 197 rec TDs, 207 total TDs
Terrell Owens
Everything about Terrell Owens’ 15-year career was larger than life. His style of play, his ability and his confidence. He’s a six-time Pro Bowler, a five-time All-Pro and the receiving half of “The Catch II.”
Owens started out as a small-town kid with big NFL dreams. Despite some team drama that probably should’ve been left out of the equation, he became a legend. He is fifth all-time in touchdowns, but his career could’ve been even more productive had he learned team unity.
Nonetheless, Owens is a star and belongs in the Hall of Fame for his productivity and accomplishments. Too bad for him, others who matter on the subject, feel differently.
Stat line: 1,078 receptions for 15,934 yards, 153 rec TDs, 156 total TDs
John Taylor
John Taylor had a brilliant nine-year career, all of which he celebrated in San Francisco.
It’s not easy being a second option on the field, especially when the undeniable No. 1 is Rice, but Taylor made it work. He had two 1,000-yard seasons, 43 receiving touchdowns, but 46 scores overall. Taylor was also an accomplished punt returner, and his beautiful open-field running provided him with two more scores.
The best thing about Taylor is that he played like the first option, but never had a problem being the second one.
Stat line: 347 receptions for 5,598 yards, 43 rec TDs, 47 total TDs
Randy Moss
Randy Moss only spent one season in the hot California sun, but he came out of retirement to do. So, that alone speaks volumes.
He wasn’t the same player for the 49ers that he was prior to calling it quits, but his efforts were enough to help his team get back to the Super Bowl. In his career, Moss caught 10 or more touchdown passes in nine seasons, had 10 1,000-yard seasons, made the Pro Bowl six times and is a member of the All-Decade team for the 2000s.
His elite career produced 982 receptions for 15,292 and 156 touchdowns. If only he would’ve made it to the Bay Area sooner, the Niners may be on a quest for something higher than a sixth championship.
Unfortunately, the sports world will never know.
Stat line: 982 receptions for 15,292 yards, 156 TDs
Dwight Clark
Dwight Clark is the poster child for value. He was a 10th-round selection in the NFL Draft, but in hindsight, you’d never know it.
He, too, spent his entire nine-year career in San Francisco where caught 506 receptions and 48 receiving touchdowns, one of which was the most important touchdown in franchise history.
“The Catch,” was a 6-yard touchdown pass from Joe Montana in the final minutes of play in the 1982 NFC Championship game against the Dallas Cowboys, and it capped off a 14-play, 83-yard drive, resulting in the team’s first Super Bowl appearance.
The 49ers went on to hoist four championship trophies in eight years and were named the all-decade team following that defining moment.
If not for that leaping grab at the end of that game, the franchise wouldn’t have celebrated quite the way it did. The franchise owes quite a bit of gratitude to that moment.
Stat line: 506 receptions for 6,750 yards, 48 TDs
Anquan Boldin
Anquan Boldin was a long-time No. 2 option behind receiving great, Larry Fitzgerald, back when both were with the Arizona Cardinals. Shortly after, Boldin became a first option and a Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens.
49ers fans are still reeling from that loss.
However, when he came to San Francisco, his presence was felt in a hurry. He along with quarterback Colin Kaepernick put the team on their backs in their Week 1 victory against the Green Bay Packers. Boldin caught 13 passes for 208 yards and a score. Furthermore, he proved that he was San Francisco’s No. 1 receiver in his first game with the franchise.
Boldin played three seasons for the 49ers and accrued just over 3,000 yards and scored 16 touchdowns.
He was a tough, physical receiver who fought for the ball every play. He’ll forever be etched in Niners history as one of the greats.
Stat line: 1,076 receptions for 13,779 yards, 82 rec TDs, 83 total TDs
Deebo Samuel
Deebo Samuel is not only one of the most explosive players in the game, but he’s also a lot of fun to watch.
The self-proclaimed “wide back” has already solidified himself as one of the franchise greats in just four short seasons. He’s a dual-threat player who can make defenders miss, and find the open lane for a touchdown.
To say that he’s been productive, would be an understatement. To put it plainly, Samuel can do it all, and pairing him with running back Christian McCaffrey is a bad day for every defense in the league.
Samuel knows his worth, and subjectively speaking, is worth every penny.
Stat line: 223 receptions for 3,230 yards, 12 rec TDs, 123 rushes for 782 yards, 14 rushing TDs
Collectively over the years, the 49ers have truly had some of the greats at wide receiver, and they’ve even had some of these juggernauts on the field at the same time.
But seeing these names together truly puts into perspective just how dominant San Francisco has been over the years at the position.
All-time best 49ers tight ends
Brent Jones
Brent Jones’ career was not only productive, but it was also highly decorated.
No. 84 spent his career where others feared to go: over the middle. Other tight ends may have been overshadowed by the likes of receivers Jerry Rice and John Taylor, but not Jones. In fact, week after week, he stood out.
He was a reliable, sure-handed target who caught passes from two of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Jones is a four-time Pro Bowler, a three-time All-Pro and was named Bart Starr Man of the Year in 1998. He won three Super Bowls for San Francisco and set the standard of play for tight ends.
Stat line: 417 receptions for 5.195 yards, 33 TDs
George Kittle
In six short years, “The People’s Tight End” has already stated his claim as one of the greats.
George Kittle‘s numbers to date pretty much mirror Jones for his career. Since joining the 49ers, Kittle has become a fan favorite, a resident hype man and the leader in yards by a tight end in a season.
The best part is that he’s only getting started.
Luckily, for San Francisco, he found his rhythm last season and looked better than ever with new, young quarterback Brock Purdy. Kittle will easily be, statistically, the greatest 49ers tight end of all time when he’s finished.
And hopefully for this amazing, modern-day offense, a Super Bowl champion as well.
Stat line: 395 receptions for 5,254 yards, 31 TDs
All-time best 49ers offensive linemen
The offensive line gets no respect.
In the NFL Draft, linemen are never considered the sexy pick. If the quarterback is under pressure and fails, it’s their fault. When the quarterback succeeds, they get zero recognition.
As a unit, they protect the quarterback at the corners, but most importantly, they protect the quarterback’s blindside. They even pull the running back all the way to the end zone.
The simple truth is every team needs an offensive front. It doesn’t matter how good your offense is, good luck running a play without them.
Looking at the members of this offensive line, any combination of tackles and interior linemen would be a success. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a weak link here at all.
Joe Staley
Joe Staley has started every single game he’s played in. That feat alone is amazing, but the fact that he played in 181 games showed his durability and dedication to the franchise. He spent his first season at right tackle and moved to left tackle for the remaining 12. He’s been to six Pro Bowls and is a lock for the Hall of Fame.
Stat line: Started every game in his career (181), 6 Pro Bowls, eventual HOF
Trent Williams
Trent Williams has 162 starts in 163 career games. He’s been named to 10 consecutive Pro Bowls and been named All-Pro twice. He simply makes everyone around him better. He’s 35 years old and shows no signs of slowing down. The general consensus is that he will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
The general consensus is absolutely right.
He’s a leader, a hype man and the best offensive tackle in the league, respectively.
Stat line: 163 games, 162 starts, 10 consecutive Pro Bowls, 2-time All-Pro, eventual HOF
Randy Cross
Randy Cross is a national treasure. He’s started 180 games, all for San Francisco. His brilliant 13-year career resulted in three Pro Bowls and three Super Bowl victories. Cross played both center and guard, making him a valuable asset across the entire interior. He played a big role in attaining Team of the Decade honors, and he’s part of the 10-year club in San Francisco. He was durable and lock down at every position.
Cross set the standard for offensive line play in San Francisco. He’s a legend.
Stat line: 180 starts, 3 Pro Bowls, 3-time Super Bowl champion
Jesse Sapolu
Jesse Sapolu anchored the 49ers offensive line successfully for 13 seasons. Also a member of the 10-year club, he’s the only lineman who played for four Super Bowl-winning teams.
Sapolu played all over the interior but spent more time at center. He had 154 career starts and was been nominated to two Pro Bowls. Sapolu was the undeniable leader along the offensive front for over a decade.
That alone speaks volumes.
Stat line: 154 starts, 4-time Super Bowl champion
Guy McIntyre
Guy McIntyre is the most underrated player on this squad. Without him at left guard, Joe Montana and Steve Young would’ve run a lot more bootlegs.
McIntyre shored up the middle next to Sapolu and gave the ultimate protection. He played 13 years for San Francisco, made the Pro Bowl five times and has three Super Bowl rings. Since his retirement from the NFL, he’s spent 20 years in the 49ers’ front office and 13 years in alumni relations.
Simply put, McIntyre is a lifelong member of the Niners. He deserves the utmost credit for all his contributions.
Stat line: 125 starts, 5 Pro Bowls, 3-time Super Bowl champion
Bob St. Clair
Bob St. Clair is the definition of a legend. He spent 11 seasons at right tackle for San Francisco and made five Pro Bowls during his tenure. Currently, he’s the only 49ers offensive lineman to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, and that speaks volumes considering the 49ers have had some elite linemen over the years.
St. Clair saw time on special teams as well, and in 1956, he blocked an astounding 10 field goals. Most importantly, he was durable and devoted to the game. He once lost five teeth blocking a punt, yet he still finished the game. He was not only an elite player for the franchise, but he was also an old-school tough guy, and they certainly don’t make them like that anymore.
Stat line: 117 starts, 5 Pro Bowls, Hall of Famer
Harris Barton
You can’t think of the 49ers offensive line, and not think of Harris Barton. Barton spent 10 years on that epic line winning three Super Bowls, two All-Pro honors and was nominated to the Pro Bowl in 1993. He and Steve Wallace were a formidable duo that was absolutely immovable.
From the right side, he protected two Hall of Fame quarterbacks throughout this tenure. Barton was unstoppable, and quite simply put, unbeatable.
Stat line: 134 starts, 1 Pro Bowl, 2-time All-Pro, 3-time Super Bowl champion
Derrick Deese
Derrick Deese had his struggles getting into the lineup for San Francisco after going undrafted in 1992. His efforts at USC went unnoticed, but after 11 years of play and a Super Bowl title, he’s logged in as one of the greats.
Deese made 132 starts from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s. He played right guard and both tackle positions. His versatility and protective instincts were of the utmost value to the franchise. Deese defied the odds and made his name a household one in the state of California.
Stat line: 132 starts, Super Bowl champion
Steve Wallace
Wallace was an absolute bookend opposite Barton. He revolutionized the left tackle position in the 1980s and proved his durability playing until 1997. Wallace started 127 games and won three Super Bowls for the franchise. He was a quiet man who did his talking on the field, and his play was exceptional and never went unnoticed.
He was picked in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, but he played as a first-round talent for San Francisco.
His efforts on the field are still recognized today. Wallace truly was one of the greats.
Stat line: 127 starts, 1 Pro Bowl, 3-time Super Bowl champion