Overview: Under head coach Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco made it to their second Super Bowl, and they were defeated by Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs both times. After the game, Shanahan’s controversial choice to assume possession after winning the coin flip under the new overtime rules—as well as his players’ acknowledged unfamiliarity with them—were hot topics of conversation.
Though the 49ers shouldn’t be concerned, the pain of the defeat won’t go away any time soon. For better or worse, Brock Purdy advanced and was mentioned as an MVP candidate, San Francisco secured the top NFC seed, and nearly all players are returning for a shot at the team’s sixth Super Bowl this year.
There aren’t many areas to be concerned about, but the front seven could use some improvements and the offensive line needs to be addressed. Nevertheless, the 49ers are expected to rank among the top NFL teams this season. They’ll be accompanied by the strain to eventually overcome the hump.
Who is present or absent: Young was acquired by the 49ers in a midseason trade with the Commanders. Nick Bosa, in particular, is one of Young’s supporters and “definitely” wants his former college buddy back. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is entering the fifth and final year of his rookie deal and has shown thus far this offseason that he wants more long-term security, whether with San Francisco or elsewhere, is maybe the greatest name to keep an eye on instead of a free agency.
