2025 NFC West Preview: San Francisco 49ers Football

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (Aug. 29, 2025) — The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2025 season with their franchise quarterback signed long term, a familiar defensive leader back on the sideline, and a roster reshaped by both injuries and turnover. The expectation is simple: win the NFC West and get back to the Super Bowl.

Quarterback at the Center

The offseason was defined by Brock Purdy’s five-year, $265 million contract extension. The deal, which includes $181 million in guarantees and a full no-trade clause, secures Purdy through 2030 and signals the team’s belief in him as the long-term answer.

With the contract comes pressure. Purdy has flashed poise and efficiency since taking over the starting job, but now faces the task of justifying top-tier money by consistently winning playoff games.

Shanahan Under Pressure

Head coach Kyle Shanahan is also under scrutiny. The 49ers stumbled to a 6–11 record in 2024, their first losing season in four years. Injuries played a role, but close losses and offensive inconsistency compounded the frustration. Entering his eighth season, Shanahan is tasked with proving that the system still works and that last year was an aberration.

Offense: Familiar Faces, New Looks

San Francisco’s offense still runs through Christian McCaffrey, who returns from the season-ending PCL injury that derailed 2024. The front office traded for Brian Robinson Jr. to lighten McCaffrey’s workload and preserve him over a 17-game season.

The passing game looks different after major changes. Deebo Samuel was traded to Washington, and Brandon Aiyuk begins the season on the physically unable to perform list. That opens the door for Ricky Pearsall to become a centerpiece. Drafted in the first round in 2024, Pearsall earned Purdy’s trust as a rookie with reliable route-running and timing. Now, he projects as a go-to option in the passing game, especially in critical downs.

Around him, the 49ers will rely on a mix of veterans and young talent. Jauan Jennings returns as a physical possession receiver, and tight end George Kittle remains the versatile weapon Shanahan has always leaned on. Jacob Cowing, entering his second season, adds depth and speed but is still developing into a consistent role player. The late-summer trade for Skyy Moore brings another vertical option who can help stretch defenses.

Up front, Trent Williams anchors an offensive line that remains one of the NFL’s best at left tackle. The question is on the right side, where Colton McKivitz has struggled with consistency. The interior features promising second-year guard Dominick Puni, who showed flashes in his rookie season and is expected to take on a larger role in the run game.

Defense: Saleh Returns

The biggest coaching move of the offseason was Robert Saleh’s return as defensive coordinator. Saleh, who led the unit from 2017–20 before leaving for the Jets’ head job, brings back a scheme built on speed, four-man pressure, and zone coverage.

The 49ers lost key veterans, including cornerback Charvarius Ward (Colts), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Broncos), and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (Vikings). Edge rusher Leonard Floyd was also released.

To restock, San Francisco traded for pass rusher Bryce Huff, reworked his contract, and used the 11th overall draft pick on Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams. Saleh will lean heavily on Huff, Williams, and a rotation of young defenders to support star edge rusher Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner.

The secondary is younger but unproven in spots. Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green — now in his second season after being drafted in 2024 — headline the cornerback group. Rookies Upton Stout and Marques Sigle are expected to contribute in rotational roles, while safety depth remains thin, adding pressure to the front seven to generate consistent pressure.

Youth Movement

San Francisco opens the year with 10 rookies on the initial 53-man roster and 26 players with fewer than 700 career snaps.

The group of young contributors is central to the 49ers’ 2025 outlook. Second-year receiver Ricky Pearsall is expected to be a go-to target for Purdy. First-round pick Mykel Williams will be asked to bolster the defensive front quickly. Cornerback Renardo Green, in his second season, is moving into a larger role opposite Deommodore Lenoir. Rookie Upton Stout is also in the mix at corner and could see playing time early.

This wave of youth gives the 49ers upside but also volatility. Shanahan and Saleh must accelerate the development curve if San Francisco is to challenge for the NFC crown.

Health: The X-Factor

The 49ers’ fortunes hinge on health. Injuries to McCaffrey, Aiyuk, and Williams crippled last year’s team, exposing depth issues across the board. Keeping stars on the field is essential if San Francisco is to compete with Philadelphia and Dallas in the NFC hierarchy.

Schedule Snapshot

The 2025 schedule starts with two road games: Sept. 7 at Seattle and Sept. 14 at New Orleans. Home games against Arizona and Jacksonville follow.

Other highlights:

• Week 5 at Rams (Oct. 2, Thursday night)
• Week 7 vs. Falcons (Oct. 19, Sunday night)
• Week 12 vs. Panthers (Nov. 24, Monday night)
• Week 16 at Colts (Dec. 22, Monday night)
• Week 17 vs. Bears (Dec. 28, Sunday night)
• Week 18 vs. Seahawks (TBD)

A Week 14 bye sets up a four-game sprint that could determine the division.

Expectations

The blueprint is clear: Purdy must deliver like a franchise quarterback, Shanahan must prove his system can still overwhelm defenses, and Saleh must rebuild the defense on the fly. The NFC West won’t be easy, with Seattle and Los Angeles looming, but San Francisco’s talent still sets the standard.

If the 49ers stay healthy and the youth movement takes hold, they have the pieces to reclaim the division and push for a Super Bowl berth. Failures on either front, and the spotlight on Shanahan and Purdy will only intensify.