The San Francisco 49ers took multiple steps to improve their defense this offseason, adding key players both via free agency and the draft.
San Francisco signed linebacker Dre Greenlaw back to pair with Fred Warner. They traded for Osa Odighizuwa to add a veteran at defensive tackle alongside second-year pros C.J. West and Alfred Collins. They drafted Romello Height to provide more juice for the pass rush from a speed perspective.
But are the moves enough to improve a pass rush that ranked 32nd in
the NFL last year in sacks? Or do the 49ers need to add more to their defense to return to a top unit this season?
Speaking to reporters last week, general manager John Lynch acknowledged the defense wasn’t good enough last year. But he feels confident that they’ve made considerable progress this offseason.
“I think when we’ve been successful here, our defensive line has wreaked havoc,” Lynch said. “And I think that’s pretty consistent around the league. We weren’t good enough last year. And there’s a lot of reasons for that. But ultimately, all those reasons are just excuses. So you have to address it. I feel confident with the way that we addressed it.
“Yes, Nick [Bosa] being back is a difference maker, but it was bigger than that. And so we’ll do some things schematically without changing. Raheem [Morris]’s background comes from Monte Kiffin, so very similar to what [Robert] Saleh has done for us and who we’ve been. But there will be some expanded things, some more versatility.
In addition to the schematic changes, San Francisco is going to trust on its young core to develop and produce.
“We’ve kind of turned over this defensive line over the last couple of years with players like Alfred Collins and CJ West and this year, Gracen Halton, Romello Height, Keion White who came in last year. I’m really excited to see that group together and see what they can do because that certainly is a priority.
“When we’ve been at our best, we’ve made life miserable on the opposing offense from the defensive front. Everything starts there. I agree. I knew that as a player. I was a better player when I played with Warren Sapp than when I went to Denver and didn’t have that. So I get that, believe me. And we’ve made a concerted effort to improve that. Now we’ve got to go show that we have.”
San Francisco’s defense has been dealing with a few injuries and recoveries. Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and C.J. West are all recovering from offseason procedures or last year’s injuries. In addition, Height has missed some of the early practices as he works through an injury sustained in camp.
Collins and West will be crucial for the 49ers, not only in stopping the run, but also in the passing game, as they’ll need to take another step. The big key is obviously Bosa, who is trending well ahead of the season and has even shared he’s felt faster this offseason.
Now, the 49ers secondary hasn’t made changes, and that wasn’t necessarily a strong point last season. But San Francisco will hope for another jump from both Upton Stout, who was quite good as a rookie, and Renardo Green, who had his inconsistent moments in 2025.
San Francisco hasn’t been against a midseason trade, but we’ll see if they make a veteran addition, potentially even on the defensive line, ahead of the season.
