Hall of Fame WR Jerry Rice sounds off on 49ers' offseason moves

Hall of Fame wide receiver and three-time Super Bowl champion Jerry Rice doesn't seem to agree with what the San Francisco 49ers have done during the offseason.

"I would have preferred to sort of leave everything like last year, add on to that, and have a chance for this coming year," Rice told Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News. "...I'm always going to go Niners no matter what. But we're bringing in so many young players. It's going to take a while for that team to jell. If it doesn't happen this year, then maybe the next couple of years."

The 49ers have focused their offseason around contract extensions for quarterback Brock Purdy, linebacker Fred Warner and tight end George Kittle. 

The team traded wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders, which left a void in the receiving room despite the return of wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is recovering from knee surgery. Multiple players, including linebacker Dre Greenlaw, cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Talanoa Hufanga, are no longer with the 49ers.

Per a report Monday by ESPN's Adam Schefter, wide receiver Jauan Jennings wants a new contract or a trade.

There is a lot of influx going on in San Francisco. Rice speaking out about his concern should raise eyebrows given that he knows what it takes to get to the Super Bowl, which will be played at Levi's Stadium in 2026. The 49ers are two seasons removed from appearing in the league title game; they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, 25-22, in Super Bowl LVIII.

After a 6-11 injury riddled 2024 season, the 49ers made 11 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, and they will welcome back star running back Christian McCaffrey, who played just four games last season due to injury. 

They are favored to win the NFC West this season, according to BetMGM.

With a favorable schedule, anything is possible for the 49ers despite Rice's concern.