Even some San Francisco 49ers players said that last year, the biggest offseason addition was defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. He flexed his muscles early in the season when the team was healthy, but couldn’t do much when most of the tools inside the toolbox weren’t there anymore.
Saleh is once again a head coach. The 49ers replaced him with another defensive coordinator-turned-head coach who was recently fired. Raheem Morris is back in a role where he’s routinely flourished.
The 49ers lost another
top assistant. Brian Fluery will call plays for the Seattle Seahawks. Fleury helped evolve the 49ers’ running game this past season. While the results may not have been visible, it was evident that San Francisco was attempting new things on the ground last season.
Unlike last offseason, there wasn’t a massive exodus of players. The 49ers lost Kenrick Bourne, Jordan Elliott, Spencer Burford, and Skyy Moore. Coming into the season, only Elliott was thought of as a factor. Bourne was signed after the season started. Moore was traded for when the team was hurting at wide receiver early in the season, while Burford was the third option at left guard once he returned from injury.
Most of the roster is back, or will return from an injury. Free agents like Mike Evans will serve as substantial upgrades, as will the trade of Osa Odighizuwa. But will the 49ers miss anybody who is no longer on the team in 2026?
You don’t have many options. Brandon Aiyuk didn’t play. Jauan Jennings’ replacement was the first selection for the team in the draft. Could it be a big loss if that player remains unsigned? Neither of the free agents who left signed a deal that pays them over $5 million annually. That could change if Jennings or Aiyuk get a new deal.
What was the 49ers’ biggest loss this offseason?
My answer: With slim pickings, process of elimination brings us to Saleh or Jennings. I’ll go with Jennings. Morris should benefit from a healthier defense.
De’Zhaun Stribling should be better than Jennings in the long run, but replacing his tenacity and energy won’t be easy. It’s why the 49ers addressed wide receiver with their first pick in the draft. It may take Stribling a little time to get acclimated to his role. Even if he did it at a high level in college, it’s still college.
Blocking linebackers at Mississippi State and Kentucky isn’t the same as blocking the Seahawks and Rams second-level defenders. It was impressive to see Stribling run away from second-round pick Brandon Cisse on a deep route. Now, he’ll be tasked with separating from the best of the best on every play.
Who do you think the biggest loss for the 49ers was this offseason?
