What Players Will Step Up to Replace the 49ers Key Departures?
The 49ers lost key veteran contributors this past week in the first wave of free agency. Key contributors to their 2024 Super Bowl roster have departed, including players, such as former All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders, linebacker Dre Greenlaw and former All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga to the Denver Broncos, and former All-Pro corner Charvarius Ward to the Indianapolis Colts just to name a few. Most of the 49ers free agent losses were due to injury concerns. Greenlaw tore his Achilles just over one year ago, and Hufanga is coming off consecutive injury-riddled seasons. However, there’s no questioning the impact they had on the 49ers success. A player like Greenlaw not only had an impact on the 49ers’ stout defense, but he and Fred Warner made what was one of the best linebacker duos in the NFL.
This team has to adopt a next-man-up mentality and thankfully I think the majority of their successors are already on the roster. At safety, second-year player Malik Mustapha flew around the field with elite range and run support in his limited opportunity in his rookie campaign and should thrive as a full-time starter. At linebacker, keep an eye on the development of Dee Winters, who has played limited snaps since being drafted out of TCU, but has a chance to play as a starter alongside Fred Warner next season. He brings speed and violence, reminiscent of Dre Greenlaw. In addition, cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. is a young player the 49ers have developed over the past couple of seasons, who could potentially slide in at CB3 behind Deommodore Lenoir and standout rookie Renardo Green. In the past, the 49ers have moved on from multiple developmental corners, such as DJ Reed, and most recently, Samuel Womack, who have thrived in other situations. They can’t make the same mistake with Luter.
Transitioning to the offense, the wide receiver room is a big question mark heading into the upcoming season. There are looming questions about Brandon Aiyuk’s place on the team after his knee injury and who will need to step up in his absence next season. Jauan Jennings had a productive season last year, but sophomores Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing are primed to play a heavy impact on how well this offense can perform with Brock Purdy under center. They both showed flashes of what they could be when utilized effectively in a Shanahan offense, especially Pearsall in the 49ers’ final two games where he combined for 210 yards and two receiving touchdowns.
Acing the remainder of this offseason is pivotal for the 49ers if they want to make noise next season. They will have to address some of the new holes on their roster in this upcoming NFL Draft as well. Their offensive and defensive lines are still glaring weaknesses. Based on their early offseason moves, they are moving in a direction where their young stars should have the chance to shine and contribute to a team looking to bounce back from a disappointing 6-11 record and compete for a Super Bowl.
