49ers’ Roster Overhaul: 17 Players Gone, Key Holes to Fill—Can the Draft Save San Francisco?

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers are no strangers to losing talent. Ever since they emerged as a powerhouse in 2019, their roster has been raided each offseason. But this year? It’s an exodus like never before.

Seventeen players have left via free agency or trade, with contracts totaling a staggering $360 million. And yet, this isn’t a team fresh off another deep playoff run. Instead, it’s a franchise licking its wounds from a stunning 6-11 finish, its worst season in the Kyle Shanahan–John Lynch era.

Unlike past years, where the 49ers made splashy moves to replenish the roster, this offseason has been about calculated risks and bargain deals. The real focus? The 2025 NFL Draft. With 11 picks in hand, Lynch and company must strike gold to plug glaring holes across the board.

The Defensive Line: Where Have All the Playmakers Gone?

San Francisco invested heavily in its defensive front last offseason, bringing in Leonard Floyd, Yetur Gross-Matos, Jordan Elliott, and Maliek Collins. The idea was to restore dominance in the trenches. Fast forward a year, and most of them are gone—along with star defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.

The numbers tell a bleak story. In 2024, the Niners ranked 23rd in sacks (37) and 15th in pass rush win rate (41.2%). Even worse, they were 28th in expected points added on defensive rush plays (-2.38). Compare that to their dominant 2019-2023 stretch, where they averaged 43.6 sacks per season and ranked top-five in stopping the run. The falloff is undeniable.

With only Nick Bosa as a proven starter, the 49ers may be forced to take multiple defensive linemen early in the draft.

Offensive Line: Time to Build for the Future

Losing starting guard Aaron Banks (Packers) and swing tackle Jaylon Moore (Chiefs) hurts, but the 49ers retained most of their core. Still, there’s no ignoring the looming reality: Trent Williams turns 37 this year and is coming off a serious ankle injury. Right tackle Colton McKivitz is also in the final year of his deal.

San Francisco ranked 14th in pass block win rate (61.4%) and 24th in run block win rate (70.8%) last season. Those numbers must improve, especially if the team is ready to commit to Brock Purdy long-term.

“We have to insulate ourselves for [Williams] or anyone else,” Lynch admitted. “That’s something we’ll look hard at in the draft.”

Unlike past years, where the 49ers have avoided early-round offensive linemen (except Mike McGlinchey in 2018), this might be the time to break that trend.

Linebacker: Replacing the Heart of the Defense

No free agent loss stings more than Dre Greenlaw’s departure to the Denver Broncos. Not only was he one of the NFL’s best all-around linebackers, but he was also the emotional leader of the defense.

The 49ers have a few in-house options—Dee Winters, Tatum Bethune, Jalen Graham—but none inspire complete confidence. Given San Francisco’s track record of finding elite linebackers in later rounds (Fred Warner in the 3rd, Greenlaw in the 5th), expect them to take a swing on another hidden gem.

Wide Receiver: The Deebo Samuel Fallout

One year after drafting Ricky Pearsall (1st round) and Jacob Cowing (4th round), the 49ers’ receiving corps looks dramatically different. Deebo Samuel was shockingly traded to Washington. Chris Conley left in free agency. And Brandon Aiyuk is coming off a torn ACL and MCL.

Until Aiyuk returns, Pearsall and Jauan Jennings will likely start, with Demarcus Robinson expected to contribute—if he avoids suspension for his pending DUI case.

With Jennings entering a contract year, adding another young receiver in the draft seems like a no-brainer.

Cornerback: A Major Hole Left by Charvarius Ward

After extending Deommodore Lenoir, the writing was on the wall for Charvarius Ward’s departure. He’s now with the Colts, leaving a significant void at CB.

Currently, the 49ers plan to roll with Lenoir and second-year corner Renardo Green as their primary outside defenders. Tre Brown, signed from Seattle, will compete for the nickel role. But beyond that, depth is a major concern.

Under Lynch and Shanahan, the 49ers have never drafted a corner before Round 2. That may continue, but expect them to address the position relatively early.

Can the Draft Save the 49ers?

With glaring needs on both sides of the ball, the upcoming draft is arguably the most crucial of the Lynch–Shanahan era.

“We’re not drafting that high, but I think there’s a lot of good football players across the board,” Lynch said at the NFL Combine.

The question is: Can the 49ers make the right moves to get back to their winning ways? Or is this the beginning of a painful transition period?

The clock is ticking.