More than a dozen veteran players who started games for the 49ers last season did not return for a variety of reasons.
And general manager Trent Baalke’s counter moves in free agency did little to ameliorate all the losses of vital, contributing players.
The 49ers are last place in the NFC West with a 1-4 record, including three blowout losses. And their free-agent acquisitions have largely failed to produce as expected in the roles for which they were signed.
The 49ers lost four players – Patrick Willis, Justin Smith, Anthony Davis and Chris Borland -- due to retirements.