It’s becoming clear that the San Francisco 49ers will have a big opportunity to jump back into contention in 2026 after an offseason where they made a number of quality moves in free agency.
After a surprise trip to the divisional round last season, the 49ers will look to top that in 2026, but they’ll need several things to go their way. The team’s biggest hindrance over the past few years has been injuries, and the issue arose again in 2025, with George Kittle, Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, Brock Purdy,
and others all missing multiple games last season.
But the 49ers will also need younger players to step up, wide receivers to be better, and the pass rush to improve after ranking last in sacks in 2025.
There are a lot of 49ers looking to take the next step or bounce back in 2026. Who is under the most pressure?
The Athletic revealed the player with the most to prove for every NFL team ahead of training camp, and the 49ers’ candidate was defensive end Nick Bosa, who is coming off a torn ACL.
“Bosa is coming off his third knee surgery — and the second ACL injury to the same knee — and is being asked to carry the 49ers’ pass rush while mentoring young players Mykel Williams and Romello Height,” The Athletic’s Vic Tafur wrote. “It seems like the 49ers will still add a veteran edge player to help Bosa (after Bryce Huff suddenly retired).
“The return of Bosa, linebacker Fred Warner and tight end George Kittle from injuries is a big reason this team has Super Bowl aspirations. Bosa, who turns 29 in October, is also going to need a new contract after this season, as the five-year deal he signed in 2023 has a $54.9 million salary-cap hit in 2027. If Bosa can show that he is still one of the best speed-to-power rushers in the NFL, the 49ers will be in for a successful season and Bosa in for another huge payday.”
While there are several 49ers returning from injury, Bosa’s return could be the most important of them all. Bosa was playing at an extremely high level in a short sample size last offseason before suffering the injury. And the 49ers clearly struggled without him, ranking last in sacks.
The 49ers didn’t do much with their pass rush in the offseason, with the main addition being Texas Tech’s Romello Height in the draft. That adds more pressure on Bosa to contribute and fast.
