SANTA CLARA, CA — The San Francisco 49ers enter Season 33 looking familiar at quarterback but very different nearly everywhere else.
The team is bringing back quarterback Brock Purdy, who spent Season 32 with the Denver Broncos after previously being traded out of San Francisco. While Purdy put up efficient numbers in 13 games with New England — throwing for 2,713 yards and 19 touchdowns with a 69.9% completion rate — his return to the Bay Area comes as part of a sweeping roster transition.
The 49ers went 9-8 last season, winning the NFC West but falling short in the Divisional Round against the Chicago Bears. Despite reaching the playoffs, their inconsistencies were exposed in critical moments, and the front office decided it was time to pivot.
Greenlaw Departure Signals Shift
On defense, the departure of linebacker Dre Greenlaw leaves one of the biggest holes. Greenlaw had been the team’s emotional leader and one of their most experienced defenders. His exit marks the end of an era for a defense that has already started transitioning to a younger core.
“It’s not easy saying goodbye to guys who’ve been the identity of your team,” one team source said. “But we had to make room to take care of the players we view as long-term leaders.”
Core Contracts Set the Foundation
Clearing cap space allowed the team to lock in two foundational pieces: linebacker Fred Warner and Purdy. Tight end George Kittle, who spent Season 32 with the Los Angeles Rams after signing a one-year deal, also returns after re-signing with San Francisco.
Purdy’s homecoming signals a renewed commitment to offensive stability after a year that saw the 49ers cycle through multiple starters under center. His familiarity with Kittle and Christian McCaffrey should help stabilize the offense as camp opens.
Still, the team knows experience alone won’t carry them. They’ll need younger talent to emerge quickly.
Rookies Will Be Asked to Step Up
San Francisco drafted 11 players this offseason, including defensive linemen Mykel Williams and Alfred Collins in the first two rounds. Both rookies are expected to contribute early, and with Greenlaw now gone, the linebacker depth chart is wide open.
“We believe in our scouting process,” said head coach Jeff Jarin. “But yeah, we’re going to be leaning on some young guys to step up fast.”
The team is also counting on contributors like Malik Mustapha and Tatum Bethune to take on expanded roles. Mustapha was second on the team with 2 interceptions in Season 32 and could be in for a breakout campaign.
Offense Still Powered by McCaffrey
San Francisco finished last season ranked 29th in passing offense, with Sam Howell throwing for 2,358 yards. The air attack lacked vertical consistency, even with Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel in the lineup. Now, with Samuel traded away to the Washington Commanders and Purdy back at the helm, the expectation is a more structured and efficient passing game.
On the ground, McCaffrey remains the engine. He finished fourth in the league with 1,201 rushing yards and added 7 rushing touchdowns. While he’ll continue to be the focal point, the team knows they can’t rely solely on his legs to carry the offense.
The Path Forward
The 49ers still boast a competitive core. McCaffrey, Warner, Kittle, and now Purdy form a foundation that few teams can match in experience and production. But with a last-place schedule, a reshaped roster, and a locker room transitioning to a younger voice, this season will test the team’s ability to reload on the fly.
“We had to take a step back to set ourselves up for the future,” one team official said. “Now we’ll see how fast we can climb again.”
