NFL writers: 49ers still boast top-tier offensive talent

Despite a massive offseason overhaul and multiple key players returning from injuries, the San Francisco 49ers continue to be viewed as one of the NFL's most offensively talented teams heading into the 2025 season. While questions linger after a disappointing 6-11 finish in 2024, some writers remain high on the 49ers' playmakers.

Jared Dubin of CBS Sports recently ranked the NFL's top offensive trios (QB-RB-WR/TE), placing the 49ers at No. 8 with quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffrey, and tight end George Kittle leading the way.

However, Dubin acknowledged the challenge in pinpointing where San Francisco belongs among the league's best.

"The NFL world has talked [ad] nauseam about how hard it is to disentangle what Purdy does from the system in which he thrives," Dubin wrote. "McCaffrey is the best running back in the league when healthy, but is coming off a season in which he missed almost the entire year, for the third time in his eight professional campaigns. Kittle is as reliable and explosive [as] it gets at the tight end position these days."

If the trio stays healthy, Dubin suggested the 49ers could be poised for a bounce-back year.

"The talent alone here is enough to carry the Niners into the top 10, and there's obviously room for them to move up if CMC stays healthy," he concluded.

Meanwhile, Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon also recognized the 49ers' offensive strength, ranking their skill-position group No. 5 in the NFL entering the 2025 season.

Gagnon highlighted Purdy, McCaffrey, and Kittle, while also including wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, and rookie Ricky Pearsall as part of the team's explosive offensive core.

"Purdy is off to one of the hottest starts ever for a quarterback, and the five other guys complement each other with an ideal combination of talent, experience, and upside," Gagnon wrote.

He also noted that Pearsall has the potential to emerge as a major contributor after flashing his upside late last season, potentially justifying his first-round selection status.

Still, Gagnon acknowledged the concerns hovering over this group. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel is now with the Washington Commanders, Aiyuk is working his way back from ACL and MCL injuries, and McCaffrey's injury history is a concern.

"There are a lot of question marks surrounding a very talented and accomplished group," Gagnon cautioned.