49ers offseason: A high-stakes gamble on youth and a revamped defense

The San Francisco 49ers will field a dramatically different roster in 2025, with the most noticeable changes on the defensive side of the ball. Several veteran contributors were let go as the team looked to slash future spending in anticipation of quarterback Brock Purdy's new contract. That meant shifting their roster-building strategy, relying more heavily on the NFL Draft than in previous years.

The 49ers made 11 draft picks this year, including six defensive selections in their first five picks. The defensive front has undergone a significant overhaul, with rookies Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and CJ West joining All-Pro Nick Bosa and newly acquired pass rusher Bryce Huff.

If these young players can contribute early, the moves will appear to be a brilliant, calculated risk. But if they struggle, it could spell trouble for a team that finished 6-11 last season and is desperate to rebound.

Robert Saleh's return

The most significant move of the offseason was the return of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who will be tasked with restoring the defense's identity of speed and physicality after the unit struggled to consistently stop the run and pressure opposing quarterbacks in 2024.

"He's really good at his job," tight end George Kittle said last month, "and I'm really excited that we somehow convinced him to be our defensive coordinator again, because he knows what he's talking about, he's inspiring, he gets the boys fired up, and he just happens to also be really, really smart.

"So, I'm pumped to have him back in the building, just hanging out with him a little bit, talking about stuff. You can just tell he's ready to roll this year, and he's gonna get the boys fired up."

Fans are eager to see if Saleh can maximize the potential of the new defensive additions and replicate the success he previously enjoyed in San Francisco. His presence alone should provide a significant boost.

Impact on the Super Bowl window

Kittle likes to remind everyone that closing a Super Bowl window can be kicked back open. So, declaring the 49ers finished might be premature.

"I would say we have pretty lofty expectations," Kittle said last month. "We always do."

Kittle acknowledged the significance of losing key players like Deebo Samuel, Talanoa Hufanga, Dre Greenlaw, and Charvarius Ward. Still, he remains optimistic about the team's offseason moves.

"We lost some guys, and that is obvious," Kittle said. "We're aware of that. But I feel like, in the way we signed guys in free agency, the way that we drafted, we targeted those holes that we lost. I'm not going to say we're going to replace All-Pro players, Pro Bowl players immediately, but I think we drafted really, really well."

The 49ers aim to prove that last season's struggles were an outlier and that their championship window remains open. They view the offseason as a retooling rather than a rebuild, and with the NFL's easiest schedule in 2025, they're confident about returning to playoff contention.

Training camp position battles

The roster shakeup has created several intriguing training camp competitions. The 49ers are eager for their young players to step up and seize key roles, particularly in the secondary, where battles like the one for the third cornerback spot will be closely watched. Another critical need is finding a reliable partner for All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner to replace Greenlaw.

The defensive line will also be a focal point, with rookies Collins and West expected to contribute immediately along the interior. As for the edges, the team invested heavily in the pass rush, selecting Williams with their top draft pick and trading for Huff to help Bosa generate pressure.

On offense, the 49ers must identify a new left guard following Aaron Banks' departure, and with Jaylon Moore gone, they need to find a new swing tackle in case the soon-to-be 37-year-old Trent Williams misses anymore time.

Too many losses to overcome—or a step forward?

While the 49ers believe their moves have positioned them for long-term success, some wonder if the offseason departures will prove too costly in the short term. Did San Francisco improve by shedding expensive veterans and investing in younger, cheaper talent, or will the team's inexperience lead to another disappointing season?

The 49ers' ability to quickly overcome growing pains and lean on their depth could determine whether they return to the playoffs in 2025—and set themselves up for sustained success in the years ahead.