Seattle and LA exposed San Francisco's weaknesses. Identifying critical needs like pass rush and receiver depth is paramount for a 2026 Super Bowl contention.
The gap between the San Francisco 49ers and the NFC’s elite became increasingly clear as the 2025 season reached its conclusion.
While San Francisco finished with a respectable regular season record, the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams separated themselves as the teams to beat in the NFC. With balanced rosters, elite playmakers, and depth in the trenches. Seattle’s run to Super Bowl LX, capped by an NFC Championship Game win over Los Angeles, underscored exactly where the 49ers must improve if they plan to return to contention in 2026.
As San Francisco enters a pivotal offseason, several roster deficiencies stand out when compared to their division rivals.
Edge rusher
The most glaring issue on the roster remains the pass rush.
The 49ers are expected to welcome back Nick Bosa and rookie Mykel Williams from ACL injuries, which will provide a boost. But relying solely on Bosa to fix a league worst pass rush would be unrealistic. San Francisco finished the season with just 20 sacks, the fewest in the NFL, while Seattle and Los Angeles both recorded 47.
Beyond Bosa, the 49ers lack consistent pressure threats. Clelin Ferrell and Bryce Huff tied for the team lead with four sacks, a number that would barely register on the Seahawks’ or Rams’ depth charts. Without a reliable rush, quarterbacks had time to dissect San Francisco’s secondary, contributing to just six interceptions on the season.
If the 49ers want to generate turnovers and control games defensively, adding at least one legitimate edge presence must be a top priority.
Wide receiver
The contrast at wide receiver between the NFC West contenders is stark.
Seattle has Jaxon Smith-Njigba, while Los Angeles leans heavily on Puka Nacua as a true offensive centerpiece. The 49ers, meanwhile, lack a consistent separator who can win quickly against man coverage.
Rookie Ricky Pearsall showed flashes, but inconsistency limited his overall impact and Brandon Aiyuk’s tenure in San Francisco is over. That leaves Brock Purdy without a true No. 1 option entering 2026.
Fortunately for the 49ers, the upcoming draft is expected to be deep at wide receiver, giving them multiple avenues to address the position. They likely need more than one addition.
Defensive tackle
The interior defensive line also demands attention.
Jordan Elliott and Kalia Davis are both set to hit free agency, and while rookies Alfred Collins and CJ West offer promise, relying entirely on young players carries risk. San Francisco allowed 4.3 yards per carry overall and struggled mightily on early downs, particularly in the postseason.
Seattle’s ability to control the line of scrimmage defensively was a major factor in its success. The 49ers must add strength and stability inside to complement Fred Warner and prevent opponents from dictating tempo on the ground.
Offensive line
San Francisco’s offense is at its best when the run game is dominant, but that identity slipped in 2025.
Trent Williams remains elite, but at 38 years old and entering the final year of his contract, the 49ers must plan for the future. Left guard currently appears to be the most realistic entry point for a young offensive lineman, ideally one who can eventually transition to tackle.
Even if the benefits are not immediate, investing in the offensive line early in the draft could pay dividends down the road.
Other areas to monitor
Tight end depth is a concern as George Kittle recovers from Achilles surgery. Cornerback depth also remains thin, as injuries and inconsistency plagued the position late in the year. At safety, the 49ers could benefit from a true ballhawk capable of flipping games with takeaways.
The Seahawks and Rams showed what complete, modern rosters look like in today’s NFL. If the 49ers want to rejoin that tier in 2026, this offseason will need to deliver meaningful upgrades, particularly in the trenches.