NFL

49ers Team Needs: 5 Positions To Target In NFL Draft & Free Agency

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By
Dan Girolamo
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Dan Girolamo Sports Editor

Dan is a multifaceted content creator who specializes in sports, pop culture, and entertainment. His entertainment work has been featured on Digital Trends, where he has interviewed Brendan Fraser, Jamie Lee Curtis, Alison Brie, Adam DeVine, Sadie Sink, Chris O'Dowd, Machine Gun Kelly, and Frank Grillo. Dan's entertainment work has also been featured on Coming Soon, Hidden Remote, and WatchMojo. Dan's other passion in life revolves around sports, graduating from Marist College with a degree in Sports Communication and Journalism. From columns about the latest in New York sports to gambling predictions, Dan continues to find success in written and broadcast journalism. Previous written work can be found at Unafraid Show, while broadcast clips can be seen on WAVE.tv and CBS Sports.

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Published13 Feb 2025

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy warms up before the game.

The San Francisco 49ers enter the offseason having missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020. Like every organization, the 49ers have plenty of team needs. Specifically, what do they need to do to return to the postseason? Here are five positions the 49ers should target in the NFL Draft and free agency.

Quarterback

The 49ers have reiterated their desire to sign quarterback Brock Purdy to a long-term extension.

Purdy is eligible for an extension this offseason and should receive a significant pay raise. Purdy made less than $1 million annually in the last three seasons.

The 49ers now must face the reality of building a team after paying a quarterback. Purdy is likely looking for at least $50 million annually.

Is San Francisco willing to pay up? Things could get ugly if the 49ers let Purdy play the final season of his rookie deal.

Wide Receiver

Deebo Samuel might have played his last snap in San Francisco.

The 49ers have granted Samuel and his agent permission to find a trade partner.

In 2022, Samuel signed a three-year, $71.5 million extension to remain in the Bay.

If Samuel is traded, the 49ers will run out the trio of Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, and Brandon Aiyuk in 2025.

Look for the 49ers to draft another wide receiver due to the financial constraints of a Purdy extension.

Offensive Line

When healthy, Trent Williams is the best left tackle in the sport.

However, Williams is currently 36 and has missed more time over the years due to the injury.

The 49ers can re-sign left guard Aaron Banks, but he could command top dollar from another team.

The 49ers should invest Day One and Day Two picks on the offensive line.

Running Back

The 49ers revolve around running back Christian McCaffrey. The 28-year-old is two years removed from over 1,700 all-purpose yards and 21 touchdowns.

Injuries derailed McCaffrey’s season in 2024.

Running back Jordan Mason, who filled in admirably for McCaffrey, will likely walk in free agency.

Is Isaac Guerendo ready to be the No. 2 RB behind McCaffrey? If the answer is no, the 49ers need to bring in another running back.

Cornerback

The 49ers cornerbacks used to be one of the team’s strengths.

Charvarius Ward, Isaac Yiadom, and Nick McCloud are all free agents.

The team signed Deommodore Lenoir to a long-term extension in November.

San Francisco needs to initiate a youth movement, especially at cornerback. Use draft picks to find a running mate next to Lenoir.