San Francisco 49ers 2024 NFL offseason primer: Most everybody should be back for another run at Super Bowl

San Francisco 49ers’ 2023 season: 12-5, won NFC West, lost Super Bowl

Overview: San Francisco reached its second Super Bowl under head coach Kyle Shanahan, and for the second time Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs beat them. Shanahan’s controversial decision to take possession after winning the coin flip under the new overtime rules — not to mention his players’ admitted lack of familiarity with them — were big talking points after the game.

The sting of the loss won’t go away anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean there’s reason to worry about the 49ers. Brock Purdy took another step forward and was in the MVP conversation (for better or worse), San Francisco earned the No. 1 seed in the NFC, and pretty much everyone is back for another run at a sixth Super Bowl for the franchise this fall.

There aren’t too many areas of concern, although the offensive line needs to be addressed and the front seven could use some upgrades. Still, the 49ers figure to be one of the best teams in the NFL yet again this season. The pressure to finally get over the hump will accompany them.

(Taylor Wilhelm/Yahoo Sports)

Key free agents

DE Chase Young
QB Sam Darnold
OLB Randy Gregory
DT Javon Kinlaw
S Tashaun Gipson
WR Ray-Ray McCloud
WR Jauan Jennings (RFA)

Who’s in/out: Acquired in a midseason trade with the Commanders, Young has his supporters on the 49ers, most notably Nick Bosa, who “definitely” wants his former college teammate back. Perhaps the biggest name to watch isn’t a free agent, but wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who’s entering the fifth and final year of his rookie contract and has acted so far this offseason like he wants more long-term security — whether with San Francisco or elsewhere.

Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers hope a good offseason will finally get them over the Super Bowl hump. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Key free-agent needs

Offensive tackle
Cornerback
Defensive line

Why the holes? Trent Williams is still playing at an All-Pro level, but he’ll turn 36 this July, and right…

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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-02-23 01:46:18

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