State of the 2024 San Francisco 49ers: Super Bowl remains tantalizingly within reach
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Where does your squad stand ahead of the 2024 NFL season? Adam Rank sets the table by providing a State of the Franchise look at all 32 teams, zeroing in on the new faces to know, one significant fantasy spin and the stakes at play in the campaign to come.
Members of the 49ers organization, 49ers fans around the world and those who have started to grow tired of Patrick Mahomes before it’s become cool …
The 49ers are still one of the best teams in the NFC, maybe even all of the NFL, held back by just one thing, or, to the point, one player: Mahomes, who improved to 2-0 against them in Super Bowls at the conclusion of the 2023 season. Don’t listen to anyone who suggests the window of opportunity is closing for this group, which I believe is poised to make another run this season.
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2024 brain trust
| POSITION | NAME |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Kyle Shanahan |
| General manager | John Lynch |
| Defensive coordinator | Nick Sorensen |
| Special teams coordinator | Brian Schneider |
Roster reshuffling
Below is a rundown of the 49ers’ most notable roster developments for the 2024 season, including this year’s draft class, as well as key acquisitions and departures via free agency and trade.
| Draft class (round-pick) | Key additions | Key departures |
|---|---|---|
| Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida (1-31) | Joshua Dobbs, QB | Sam Darnold, QB |
| Renardo Green, CB, Florida State (2-64) | Leonard Floyd, Edge | Ray-Ray McCloud, WR |
| Dominick Puni, OG, Kansas (3-86) | Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge | Clelin Ferrell, Edge |
| Malik Mustapha, S, Wake Forest (4-124) | Maliek Collins, DT | Randy Gregory, Edge |
| Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville (4-129) | Jordan Elliott, DT | Chase Young, Edge |
| Jacob Cowing, WR, Arizona (4-135) | LB De'Vondre Campbell | Arik Armstead, DL |
| Jarrett Kingston, OT, USC (6-215) | CB Isaac Yiadom | Javon Kinlaw, DL |
| Tatum Bethune, LB, Florida State (7-251) | Isaiah Oliver, CB | |
| Tashaun Gipson, S |
New faces to know
With three of the six players who logged at least three sacks for them in 2023 (Arik Armstead, Clelin Ferrell and Javon Hargrave) departing this offseason, the 49ers needed some help with the pass rush. Though the 31-year-old Floyd technically qualifies as a “new face to know,” he’s actually something of a familiar face, having spent three seasons (2020-22) in the NFC West with the Rams, racking up 29 sacks in that period (two of which came in his most recent game against the Niners, in Week 8 of 2022). Last season with Buffalo, Floyd reached double digits in sacks (10.5) for the second time in his career.
The Niners have yet to give Brandon Aiyuk the extension he’s been seeking. Pearsall provides a little bit of insurance for the passing attack in case the situation with Aiyuk gets sticky. Even if Aiyuk settles in for the season (see my fantasy hot take below to learn what I think will happen) and Pearsall ends up sharing targets with him and Deebo Samuel, there’s reason to think the rookie will have an impact. Pearsall racked up 1,027 scrimmage yards (15.1 yards per touch) for the Florida Gators last season.
State of the QB
- What does Brock Purdy have to do to get your respect? In his five full playoff appearances (not counting his injury-shortened showing in the 2022 NFC title match), the 49ers are 4-1, and they’ve scored an average of 28 points. Since 2022, when he first entered the NFL, he’s led the league in quarterback winning percentage (.778), passing yards per attempt (9.1), TD-to-INT ratio (48:14) and passer rating (108.1) (including playoffs). So can we stop making Purdy talk about being a so-called “system quarterback” now? He was a finalist for MVP! Forget about asking whether Purdy is a top-10 QB, even; I’m thinking more about how high he ranks within the top 10.
- The buzz surrounding Purdy is reminiscent of the skepticism another quarterback encountered early in his career. That person went on to achieve numerous victories and was even recently celebrated at the Forum. Yes, I’m referring to Julian Edelman, who was a quarterback during his college years. I acknowledge that drawing a comparison between Purdy and Tom Brady may seem far-fetched. However, questioning Purdy’s authenticity as a star is just as absurd.
Most important non-QB
Overthinking is unnecessary here. McCaffrey has consistently demonstrated his skills with an average of 115.4 scrimmage yards per game throughout his professional career. In 2023, he took the lead in the NFL with 339 touches, 2,023 scrimmage yards, and 21 scrimmage touchdowns. This included a career-best of 1,459 rushing yards. The most remarkable aspect of McCaffrey’s stint in San Francisco has been his resilience. During his last two full seasons with the Panthers in 2020 and ’21, he missed a total of 23 games. However, since his trade to the Niners at the 2022 deadline, he’s only been sidelined once due to injury.
My HOTTEST 49ers fantasy take:
I’m IN on Brandon Aiyuk.
Many may overlook Aiyuk in upcoming fantasy drafts, particularly if his contract situation remains unresolved and due to Pearsall’s presence. However, it’s worth noting that Aiyuk has emerged as Purdy’s primary target, the quarterback’s first choice. Pro Football Focus reports that Aiyuk’s target depth increased in 2023, and he performed well in terms of fantasy points per route run. So, don’t be surprised if he’s selected like a top-15 fantasy receiver but ultimately ranks in the top-10.
2024 roadmap
Three key dates:
- Week 7: vs. Kansas City Chiefs. The 49ers get a chance to face their foes from Super Bowls LVIII and LIV in a game sandwiched between a Thursday-nighter at Seattle and a home battle against the Cowboys.
- Week 12: at Green Bay Packers. The Niners have won four of their last six against the Packers — including their last visit to Green Bay, a 13-10 victory in the Divisional Round of the 2021 playoffs that was also Aaron Rodgers‘ last postseason appearance to date.
- Week 17 (MNF): vs. Detroit Lions. Here’s another playoff rematch, this time against the team San Francisco survived facing in the NFC Championship Game.
For 2024 to be a success, the 49ers MUST:
A) Win the Super Bowl
B) Make a playoff run
C) Earn a playoff berth
D) Finish above .500
E) Show progress
My answer: A) Win the Super Bowl. The 49ers have been close the past couple of seasons — which is something no fan needs to be reminded of. I don’t believe the 49ers are regressing or anything like that, but there are teams that are starting to get a little bit better, including the Lions, who nearly kept them from making it to the Super Bowl last season. I’m not suggesting by any stretch of the imagination that Kyle Shanahan is in danger of losing his job if the 49ers don’t win it all this season. I do think he understands the assignment, knowing that the franchise has won five Lombardi Trophies but none since 1994.
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