There's really no other way to put it. The San Francisco 49ers, entering this weekend, have had an offseason from hell across the board.
Not only has the team had to say goodbye to several key players to their title contention window like Deebo Samuel and Javon Hargrave, but they haven't been able to replace those players with how tight their cap situation is.
Making matters even worse is the fact that the rest of the NFC West has gotten considerably better along the way.
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) catches a pass in the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 2025 NFC divisional round game. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
The Arizona Cardinals added a top edge rusher in Josh Sweat. The Seattle Seahawks upgraded at quarterback and have gotten younger in key positions. Even the defending division champs have gotten better in their own right.
Friday evening might have been the icing on the cake for how bad a week the 49ers have had.
Cooper Kupp, the former Offensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP who was released by the Rams this offseason, signed a three-year free agent contract with the Seahawks.
Kupp joins Sam Darnold as a new change for the team's offense as they look to be more efficient on the offensive end with Klint Kubiak running the show on offense.
Related: Why 49ers' Signing of Mac Jones Is Good For Brock Purdy
But wait...if Kupp is now with the Seahawks, does that mean the Rams got weaker?
Nope.
Los Angeles upgraded the Kupp signing with the former All-Pro in Davante Adams. Adams in an offense with Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua will be one of the most feared in the league, let alone the division.
On Saturday morning, the Niners salvaged this early period of free agency with the rather surprising retention of Kyle Juszczyk, the do-it-all fullback, to a 2-year deal said to be worth $8 million.
There was a great deal of buzz about the 2-time All-Pro leaving The Bay - he visited the Pittsburgh Steelers this week - but now the Niners keep a key guy, on the field and off.
It's a feel-good deal. But the fan base's reliance on this?
It shows just how dire the situation is for the 49ers right now.
Related: Deebo Announces Final Words To Purdy
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This story was originally published March 15, 2025 at 8:16 AM.