San Francisco 49ers’ 2025 Season: A Mixed Bag of Promise and Challenges

The NFL offseason is in full swing, with teams across the league preparing for free agency, the draft, and more. For the San Francisco 49ers, the 2025 season was a rollercoaster that left fans both excited and concerned about what lies ahead.

2025 Season Record and Overview

The 49ers finished the 2025 season with a record of 12-5, placing them third in the NFC West. They lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round and ranked 10th in DVOA. The team had high expectations heading into the season based on two main factors: improved health and an easier schedule. However, neither of these expectations materialized. Injuries plagued the team early, and the schedule turned out to be one of the toughest in the league.

Despite these challenges, the 49ers managed to win 12 games and even contended for the No. 1 seed in the NFC during the regular-season finale. Their playoff victory over the Eagles was a testament to head coach Kyle Shanahan’s coaching prowess. When quarterback Brock Purdy went down, Mac Jones stepped up as a top-10 quarterback by EPA per play. Purdy returned later in the season and became the most efficient quarterback in the league by that metric. Christian McCaffrey’s performance was also crucial, as his presence opened up the passing game for whoever was throwing the ball.

The offensive success helped lift a defense that struggled due to key injuries, including those of Nick Bosa and Fred Warner.

Cap/Cuts Outlook

San Francisco has just under $25 million in effective salary cap space, which ranks 12th heading into the offseason. One of the biggest moves expected is the likely release of Brandon Aiyuk. Reports indicated that the team voided future guarantees in Aiyuk’s contract, and he did not oppose this move. If Aiyuk is designated as a post-June 1 cut, it would free up about $7 million in 2026 and $20 million in 2027, with a $21 million dead cap hit in that season. The 49ers could also open up $17 million in cap space with a restructure of Nick Bosa.

Key Pending Free Agents

Several key players are set to become free agents, including:

• WR Jauan Jennings – From a seventh-round pick to a reliable receiver, Jennings led the team with nine receiving touchdowns and was second in target share.
• TE Jake Tonges – Stepped up as a receiving threat in heavier personnel groupings, catching 4-of-5 end zone targets for touchdowns.
• DE Yetur Gross-Matos – Missed time during the season but showed promise as a pass-rush specialist.

Positional Needs

The 49ers have several positional needs heading into the offseason:

• Edge – Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams were both lost for the season, leaving little depth behind them. Bryce Huff can be a good pass-rush specialist, but his effectiveness diminishes when he has to play a bigger role. The 49ers finished 30th in pressure rate.
• Guard – Ben Bartch was hurt in Week 2 and struggled upon his return. Dominick Puni and Connor Colby both had issues at left guard.
• Linebacker – Fred Warner’s impact was significant, and the team could use more depth at linebacker behind or with Dee Winters.

2026 NFL Draft Picks

The 49ers have the following draft picks for the 2026 season:

• 1st round, pick No. 27
• 2nd round
• 3rd round
• 4th round
• 4th round (projected compensatory)
• 4th round (projected compensatory)
• 5th round (projected compensatory)

Good Draft Fit

Monroe Freeling, an offensive tackle from Georgia, could be a great fit for the 49ers. With Trent Williams aging, Freeling could serve as a strong understudy. He is an explosive athlete who can anchor well and has improved his mistakes over his college career.

Betting Nuggets

The 49ers had the easiest schedule as measured by preseason opponent win totals, which contributed to their 12 regular-season wins. They also performed well in games they were expected to win, going 10-1 straight up (8-2-1 against the spread) as a favorite.