Why 49ers get back to Super Bowl in 2025 (and why they don't)
By Peter Panacy
Why 49ers make it to Super Bowl 59
The 49ers have a notable list of pending free agents, and a few of them played vital roles in getting the team to Super Bowl 58 (and to the two NFC Championship games in the consecutive years prior).
That said, the Niners' core is very much intact and will be vital next season.
49ers still boast an elite roster
Here's the list of San Francisco's Pro Bowlers (*) and first-team All-Pros (+) from last season:
- QB Brock Purdy*
- RB Christian McCaffrey*+
- FB Kyle Juszczyk*+
- OT Trent Williams*+
- TE George Kittle*+
- LB Fred Warner*+
- EDGE Nick Bosa*
- CB Charvarius Ward*
- DT Javon Hargrave*
Additionally, wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk are still very much part of the equation next year, which means most of the potential free-agent departures aren't going to be cornerstone-type players.
Plus, if Purdy winds up continuing his notable ascent after an MVP-caliber 2023 campaign, there is little reason to suspect the 49ers wholly fall apart in 2024.
49ers have plenty of NFL Draft capital to restock for 2024
For the first time since 2021, the Niners boast a first-round pick in the NFL Draft. And it's one of 11 projected selections at John Lynch's disposal.
Depth is always a concern, but San Francisco has only a handful of pressing needs:
- Offensive line
- Cornerback
- Defensive line
If the 49ers want to be aggressive and trade up aplenty, they can. If they want to go with a shotgun approach, they can.
It's a good position to be in.
49ers are still the cream of the NFC
As of now, the balance of power within the NFC still resides with the Niners. Sure, the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions are threats.
But, as far as pound-for-pound talent, San Francisco reigns supreme.
The 49ers cut their way through each of those teams en route to the Super Bowl last year, and there is no reason to logically assume they won't have a leg up over those teams again in 2024.