The San Francisco 49ers are poised to make some significant moves in the upcoming season, with a focus on three key positions. Center, safety, and linebacker are the areas where the team is expected to make changes, as they look to balance their top-heavy roster and address some shortcomings from the 2023 NFL Draft. Personally, I think the 49ers' approach to these positions will be fascinating to watch, as they navigate the challenges of free agency and the draft.
Center: A Position in Transition
The center position is a critical one, as it handles protections and line calls in Kyle Shanahan's offense. Jake Brendel has been a consistent and reliable player since taking over as the starting center in 2022, missing only two games in four years. However, Brendel is a free agent after this season, and the 49ers have already drafted Carver Willis in the fourth round. What's interesting is that Willis might get a chance to take snaps at center during OTAs this week. Brett Toth is another option, but more of an emergency plan if Brendel gets injured. The 49ers could look to the draft or free agency to replace Brendel, with options like All-Pro Aaron Brewer being a dream scenario next offseason.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the regime's history of taking big swings at center early on. It's not far-fetched to imagine them wanting a talent like Brewer, who has been playing in Mike McDaniel's scheme with the Dolphins. However, the 49ers will need to carefully consider their options, as the center position is crucial to the team's success.
Safety: A Position in Flux
Safety Ji'Ayir Brown was slated to start the season last year but was beaten out by rookie Marques Sigle in training camp. Brown has become a punching bag for many fans and former players for his performance, but I'd say he's closer to average than bad. Still, there are obvious faults, and when you lose your job to a Day 3 rookie, it's never a good sign. The 2023 third-rounder's contract is up after this season, and the 49ers will need to decide on their safety strategy. Ideally, they can get away with playing a free safety without spending premium draft capital or big in free agency, but that remains to be seen.
One thing that immediately stands out is the potential for a trade. Jessie Bates, entering the final year of his contract with Atlanta, could be expendable if the Falcons start slow or one of their rookies wins the starting job. Derwin James, a big-name free agent, will also be on the market next offseason, and every team will be after him. The 49ers might be keeping an eye on these options, but it's unclear if they will make a move.
Linebacker: A Position in Transition
The 49ers traded away Dee Winters on draft night, and while Winters was set to be a free agent after the 2026 season, Dre Greenlaw and Garret Wallow are also free agents. Luke Gifford's contract runs through 2027, but he's on the wrong side of 30 and showed last year that he doesn't belong on the field defensively. The good news is that the 49ers have shown they can draft well at the position, but the bad news is that they have no idea what they have in Nick Martin, who saw limited action last season as a rookie.
If Martin proves to be an effective blitzer, he may carve out a role for himself, regardless of Greenlaw's health. However, if Greenlaw does miss time and we see Wallow, it will not be a good look for Martin. Wallow was fine in spot duty, but that's not the type of player who should be starting on a playoff defense. The 49ers will likely spend another Day 3 pick next year on a linebacker, with Tatum Bethune and Jaden Dugger likely to be special teamers. It's possible that the 49ers will experiment with more defensive backs and fewer linebackers if they struggle at the position next to Fred Warner.
Broader Implications and Future Developments
The 49ers' approach to these three positions will have broader implications for the team's success in the upcoming season. If they can find a reliable center, a solid safety, and a versatile linebacker, they will be in a strong position to compete for a playoff spot. However, if they struggle at these positions, it could lead to a more defensive-oriented approach, with more emphasis on stopping the run and less on passing. The 49ers will need to carefully consider their options and make smart moves to ensure they are in the best position to succeed in the long term.
In my opinion, the 49ers' strategy at these positions will be a key factor in their success this season. While they have some promising options, they will need to navigate the challenges of free agency and the draft to find the right players. It will be fascinating to see how they approach these positions and whether they can find the right balance to compete for a playoff spot.
