5 players who definitely won't be back with the 49ers next year

The 49ers have assuredly had a frustrating 2024 campaign, which points to these five players not returning next season.

To say the 2024 campaign hasn't gone according to the San Francisco 49ers' plans and hopes is a bit of an understatement.

Playoff hopes are already on the ropes nearing the final stretch of the regular season, and head coach Kyle Shanahan's squad is looking at the hard reality of watching postseason football from the comfort of the couch instead of partaking in it, which has been the case every year since the dreadful injury-plagued 2020 campaign.

At least that likely points to an early jump on offseason plans to get better for 2025.

Part of getting better involves the proverbial "trimming the fat," bidding farewell to players who don't fit into Shanahan and general manager John Lynch's long-term plans.

Whether it's through a roster cut or by free-agent departure, the Niners should have no interest in keeping these five players around next season.

No. 1: Linebacker De'Vondre Campbell

In fairness to De'Vondre Campbell, he was the contingency plan for the contingency plan for injured linebacker Dre Greenlaw. And with Greenlaw nearing a return, hopefully, there should be little reason for Campbell to see much of the field on defense down the stretch.

That said, no other player on San Francisco has missed more tackles this season than Campbell (12), and the one-time All-Pro is a major liability in coverage, too.

Perhaps Campbell has born the brunt of 49ers fans' frustrations at the lackluster team efforts this season, but it doesn't mean he should return in 2025 when his one-year deal expires.

No. 2: Safety Talanoa Hufanga

Unlike Campbell, Talanoa Hufanga is still a fan-favorite, who made his reputation known for playmaking ways in 2022 before injuries cut short his 2023 and 2024 campaigns.

A free agent to be in 2025, it appears the Niners already have their starting safety tandem in place for the future in second-year pro Ji'Ayir Brown and rookie Malik Mustapha.

While experienced safety depth is valuable, it's hard to envision Hufanga sticking around on a new lucrative deal.

No. 3: Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave

Entering 2023, San Francisco was praised for landing Pro Bowl defensive tackle Javon Hargrave in free agency, and he indeed made a substantial impact over his first year in the Bay Area.

However, a triceps tear early in 2024 landed him on injured reserve, denying the 49ers a stout interior presence.

At 31 years old, Hargrave likely doesn't fit into the Niners' long-term plans, especially considering their need to get both younger and cheaper. Despite being signed through 2026, San Francisco could save more than $20.7 million in cap space next year (and $22.48 million the following) if he's released with a post-June 1 designation this offseason, according to Over the Cap.

No. 4: Cornerback Isaac Yiadom

Campbell gets a lot of flak, yes. Not far behind him has been veteran cornerback Isaac Yiadom, who appeared to be a hidden gem of a find last offseason in free agency but has since turned into quite the liability within the secondary when he's taken the field.

The 49ers brought him aboard on a one-year deal to serve as starting-caliber depth behind Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir, and Yiadom has done precisely that.

However, in light of rookie corner Renardo Green's ascent, Yiadom's purpose with the Niners will expire when his contract expires at the start of the NFL new year.

No. 5: Cornerback Charvarius Ward

Ward isn't lumped in here because of shoddy performance or because of the potential of being a cap casualty. If anything, San Francisco simply won't be able to afford keeping him around when he hits free agency in 2025.

The 49ers committed big bucks to Lenoir, who is both younger and more versatile, capable of playing on the boundary or over the slot. While Ward is still very much an effective corner, the Niners are going to have a tough time justifying paying top dollar to two cornerbacks.

Especially with a lucrative extension awaiting quarterback Brock Purdy this offseason.

Ward made it clear he wouldn't stay with San Francisco on a team-friendly deal, and there's a better-than-reasonable chance he gets a hefty payday elsewhere this offseason.