49ers Face Tough Decisions Ahead of Free Agency

Evaluating the Future of the San Francisco Defense

As the San Francisco 49ers prepare for the 2025 NFL free agency period, critical decisions loom over their defensive roster. The team must decide whether to retain key players or explore external options, including potential signings from the New York Jets, where head coach Robert Saleh’s system aligns with San Francisco’s defensive philosophy. However, these decisions may not be entirely in the 49ers’ control, as some of their key defensive players could be seeking new opportunities elsewhere.

Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga Likely to Depart

According to Matt Barrows of The Athletic, two of San Francisco’s standout defensive players, Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga, may not return in 2025.

“I think the chances are better than not that Dre Greenlaw is gone,” Barrows stated in an interview with KNBR. “The same with Talanoa Hufanga.”

Both Greenlaw and Hufanga have been instrumental in the 49ers’ defensive success. Despite Greenlaw’s Achilles injury, which limited his impact in Super Bowl LVIII, he remains a highly regarded linebacker. Hufanga, a dynamic safety, has shown immense playmaking ability despite injuries limiting him to 17 games over the past two seasons. Given the presence of Fred Warner, Ji’Ayir Brown, and Malik Mustapha, the 49ers may decide that Greenlaw and Hufanga are expendable if their contract demands are too steep.

Market Demand for Greenlaw and Hufanga

Greenlaw and Hufanga are expected to be among the most sought-after free agents in 2025. ESPN’s Matt Bowen ranks Greenlaw at No. 15 on his free agency board, highlighting his ability to excel in any defensive scheme.

“Greenlaw is a rangy linebacker with pursuit speed and coverage awareness. He had back-to-back seasons of 120-plus tackles in 2022-23, and he added 1.5 sacks last year,” Bowen wrote. Despite his recent injury, Greenlaw’s versatility and production make him an attractive option for linebacker-needy teams.

Hufanga, ranked No. 22 by Bowen, is similarly valued for his playmaking ability. While injuries have hampered his availability, he remains an elite defensive asset when healthy.

“In 49 career games, Hufanga has seven interceptions, two forced fumbles, and one defensive touchdown. He thrives in defined coverage schemes that allow him to play in split-field alignments and move down to disrupt the front,” Bowen noted.

Cap Space and Free Agency Strategy

With an estimated $48 million in cap space heading into 2025, the 49ers have the flexibility to pursue key free agents. Their decisions in free agency will provide insight into their long-term vision for the team. Whether they focus on retaining Greenlaw and Hufanga or look elsewhere to strengthen their defense will be a defining moment in the franchise’s offseason strategy.

As the free agency period approaches, 49ers fans eagerly await to see which direction the team will take. Will they invest in their homegrown talent, or will they seek external reinforcements? The coming months will shape San Francisco’s defensive future and their pursuit of another Super Bowl appearance.