49ers Poised to Return as One of NFC’s Best Teams, Analyst Says

The NFC West buzz this offseason has primarily focused around the Seattle Seahawks' status as reigning champs and the Los Angeles Rams' blockbuster acquisition of Myles Garrett. 

There hasn't been a ton of hype surrounding the San Francisco 49ers, who embark on the 2026 campaign not only healthy but also improved in terms of personnel. 

GM John Lynch, head coach Kyle Shanahan and the Niners had a sneaky-good draft back in April, and the addition of future Hall of Fame receiver Mike Evans flew completely under the radar. 

While the media giants' football world continues to sleep on San Francisco's chances of emerging as the NFC's top squad, former NFL linebacker Manti Te'o is buying into the scarlet red and metallic gold. 

"I do look at the San Francisco 49ers, and Kyle Shanahan, and all the guys that they have. This is the best wide receiver corps that Brock Purdy has ever thrown to, with Mike Evans and company," Te'o said while appearing on NFL Network's Good Morning Football.

Still, as much as the Niners got better this offseason, their rivals remain in the way. 

Coming off the franchise's second Super Bowl victory, the Seahawks and Sam Darnold will still be a tough out next season. 

And as for the Rams, not only have they added the best defensive player in the league with Garrett, but they may also be gaining the man who previously held that title, Aaron Donald, should he choose to unretire. 

They'll face a gauntlet in the NFC West, but the culture that exists in the Bay Area has led the Niners through adversity far more difficult than slowing down Jaxson Smith-Njigba or blocking Garrett and Donald. 

"And if you forgot, there was a time where they could have been the number one seed in the NFC, and they didn't have anybody playing for them," Te'o continued.

San Francisco appears primed to enter September having regained franchise cornerstones George Kittle and Fred Warner from injury while reuniting with former linebacker Dre Greenlaw. 

Barring another catastrophic injury, the Niners will boast one of the most talented groups in the league on both sides of the ball, possessing great playcallers in each respective unit. 

Shanahan will always rank among the NFL's elite offensive minds, and new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris performed well enough to become the Atlanta Falcons head coach the last time he called plays from the sideline. 

The Niners have rehabbed and retooled, positioning themselves to become the second-straight NFC West representative to reach Super Bowl Sunday.