Fans may be feeling doom and gloom after the 49ers' tumultuous offseason, but Pro Football Focus isn't as pessimistic.
For the negative-feeling San Francisco 49ers fans out there, the massive offseason exodus of top talent might not have been as bad as what went down 10 years ago in the post-head coach Jim Harbaugh era.
But the 2025 exodus was close.
In turn, the notable departures of many a cornerstone Niner led many to believe San Francisco's longstanding Super Bowl window had abruptly slammed shut, the consequence of a team that aged quickly while getting increasingly expensive.
True, the 49ers have openly admitted the need to get younger and cheaper, meaning the 2025 NFL Draft will be crucial to maintaining what has been a long run of deep postseason appearances in three of the last four years.
A difficult proposition.
So, it might be understandable to think said Super Bowl window is fully closed amid what'll likely be a major retooling in the Bay Area over the next season or two.
Except Pro Football Focus isn't quite buying that.
Pro Football Focus declares 49ers' Super Bowl window remains open
The Niners may not be a top Super Bowl favorite, but they remain a contender, at least according to PFF's Zoltán Buday, who included San Francisco in his list of contenders entering 2025:
"Some might argue that San Francisco’s Super Bowl window was abruptly shut in 2024 when the 49ers finished last in their division and missed the playoffs. Brock Purdy’s expected contract extension could also make things more difficult for the franchise when it comes to building the roster.
While that almost certainly will impact the 49ers' long-term chances, the current roster could still compete for a Super Bowl in 2025. Although left tackle Trent Williams, tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey could all be considered older at their positions, when healthy, they are still among the best in the NFL."
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Buday's point is understandable. The 49ers still boast plenty of All-Pro talent, including Kittle and a (hopefully) healthy McCaffrey back in the fray. Plus, linebacker Fred Warner and defensive end Nick Bosa are cornerstone pieces on the defensive side of the ball who elevate players around them.
Plus, a relatively weak NFC West opens the door for the red and gold to win the division outright, potentially threatened only by the Los Angeles Rams.
Naturally, though, the pressure will be on Purdy to ultimately bounce back from an underwhelming 2024 campaign and ultimately live up to what'll be a lucrative contract extension signed at some point later this offseason.
If Purdy justifies the money, combined with the Niners hitting on a few of their draft picks, that Super Bowl window might not have fully shut after all.