When a perennial NFC title contender finishes with six wins as a Super Bowl favorite, questions will arise about the franchise’s state and future. Is the roster outdated? Did the coaching lose the team? Is it time for a rebuild?
The answer is complicated with the 2024 San Francisco 49ers. The offseason was filled with contract holdouts, a tragedy with their first-round rookie, and lofty expectations for Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch, and their roster. Brandon Aiyuk, Trent Williams, and Christian McCaffrey signed extensions before injuries ended their seasons. The roster was decimated with injuries from top to bottom.