The dust is settling on the first wave of NFL free agency, and the needs for each NFL team heading into the draft are becoming clear. Day four of free agency kicks off on Thursday, with the 49ers addressing depth and special teams, mostly while clearing contracts and cap space for the future.
The potential replacements for 49ers departing players are all but gone, with other teams offering contracts out of the team’s price range. Drew Dalman, Joey Bosa, and others took deals with teams, leaving the 49ers to build their roster in the draft and with free agents on the back end of the list.
Let’s rank the 49ers’ roster holes and needs as free agency continues and before the NFL draft.
Defensive Line
Nick Bosa, Jordan Elliott, Yetur Gross-Matos, Sam Okuayinonu, Kevin Givens, Evan Anderson, Robert Beal, Jr, and Drake Jackson make up the 49ers defensive line with several options for players under team control to contribute in 2025.
Releasing Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins has made the defensive line unit paper thin for players with a track record. There are several options for help in free agency including Azeez Ojulari, Zadarius Smith, Dante Fowler, Joshua Uche, Charles Omenihu, and others, but this unit needs help from the draft that includes 11 picks in 2025.
Robert Saleh’s return as defensive coordinator is a good first step to improve the 49ers’ defense, but he needs more reliable help to pass rush, set the edge, and run defense. The number one hole on the 49ers roster is the defensive line and it’s not close.
Linebacker
The loss of Dre Greenlaw opens the door for Dee Winters to step in. However, Winters has struggled to stay on the field consistently dealing with numerous injuries. Tatum Bethune has drawn praise but is unproven. Curtis Robinson has returned to the roster. The 49ers have possible replacements for Greenlaw and no definites.
C.J. Mosley is an option to reunite with Robert Saleh. Injury and age are a concern, but Mosley’s experience could be valuable to help develop the young 49ers linebackers and provide a safety net. Again, the draft is the team’s opportunity to bring in competition and depth.
Offensive Line
Trent Williams is in the twilight of his career. Aaron Banks was overpaid by the Green Bay Packers leaving Ben Bartch and Spencer Burford to compete for the left guard position. Right guard is locked in with Dominick Puni as is right tackle with Colton McKivitz. Jake Brendel is trending down in 2025 with Matt Hennessy, Drake Nugent, and Nick Zakelj as his primary competition.
Jaylon Moore bolted for Kansas City and the 49ers need to plan for life after Trent Williams. At pick 11, the 49ers can draft their future left tackle and have the player start at left guard before moving out to replace Williams, such as Will Campbell. The 49ers have confidence in their offensive line, but continuing to address the position is forward-thinking and smart considering the pending extension for Brock Purdy.
Wide Receiver
As of right now, Week 1 will see Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, and Demarcus Robinson in three wide receiver sets. Jacob Cowing is looking to gain his footing as a contributor and Brandon Aiyuk is on the long road to recovery.
Deebo Samuel is in Washington. The depth of the 49ers receiving core is thin. Chris Conley is a team favorite, but the 49ers would be wise to add to the group with low-cost, higher-impact receiving threats in free agency and future 49er receivers in the draft. With the release of Kyle Juszczyk, the 49ers will move to personnel groupings with more receivers on the field. Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore, and others are available to step right in.
Which roster need is the most important? Let us know in the comments.