49ers' added depth sparks hope for 2026 season

The San Francisco 49ers hope to avoid a repeat of last season, when injuries tested the roster's depth throughout the year. Despite those setbacks, San Francisco still finished with a 12-5 regular-season record and secured a playoff berth.

This offseason, the 49ers focused on strengthening their depth through free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft, bolstering several key position groups in the process.

Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports believes the 49ers are now better equipped to handle another wave of injuries if one arises, offering hope for success during the 2026 season.

"The 49ers added key depth throughout the roster, especially on the offensive line and at receiver," DeArdo wrote. "In terms of the latter, San Francisco acquired a future Hall of Famer in free agency in Mike Evans and a solid veteran in Christian Kirk. In the draft, the 49ers used their first pick to select fellow wideout De'Zhaun Stribling, a speedy playmaker who should help open up the 49ers' vertical game."

Those additions came as San Francisco moved on from several contributors, including Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, and Skyy Moore—with Brandon Aiyuk also expected to depart.

The 49ers also entered the draft determined to improve a struggling pass rush and appeared to address that need on Day 2.

"San Francisco also got a much-needed pass rusher in the draft when they selected Romello Height in the third round," DeArdo wrote. "Height, who racked up 10 sacks and 58 pressures last season at Texas Tech, will be tasked with helping bolster what was the league's worst pass rush in 2025."

The biggest question is whether the offseason additions will be enough to keep the 49ers competitive in a challenging NFC West that includes the Los Angeles Rams and the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.

Part of that answer could come early in the season when the 49ers face the Rams in Australia in a pivotal Week 1 matchup.