San Francisco 49ers 2024 NFL offseason primer Super Bowl

2023 San Francisco 49ers season: 12-5, NFC West champion, Super Bowl loss

Overview: Under head coach Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco made it to their second Super Bowl, and they were defeated by Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs both times. After the game, Shanahan’s contentious choice to assume possession after winning the coin flip under the new overtime rules—as well as his players’ acknowledged unfamiliarity with them—were hot topics of conversation.

Though the 49ers shouldn’t be concerned, the pain of the defeat won’t go away any time soon. For better or worse, Brock Purdy advanced and into the MVP debate, San Francisco secured the No. 1 spot in the NFC, and nearly everyone is back for  another shot at a sixth Super Bowl for the club this fall.

There aren’t too many areas of worry, however the offensive line has to be addressed and the front seven could use some enhancements. Nevertheless, the 49ers are expected to rank among the top NFL teams this season. They’ll be accompanied with the strain to eventually overcome the hump.

Who is present or absent: Young was acquired by the 49ers in a midseason trade with the Commanders. Nick Bosa, in particular, is one of Young’s fans and “definitely” wants his former college buddy back. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is approaching the fifth and final year of his rookie deal and has shown thus far this offseason that he wants more long-term security, whether with San Francisco or elsewhere, is maybe the greatest name to keep an eye on instead of a free agency.

What causes the holes? Though he will turn 36 in July, Trent Williams is still playing at an All-Pro level, and right tackle Colton McKivitz hasn’t exactly played well. Although it’s not an urgent necessity, the 49ers could look into improving at cornerback. Additionally, San Francisco will require additional defensive linemen if Arik Armstead is lost to salary space and Chase Young and Randy Gregory both depart via free agency.