This season has not gone as planned for the San Francisco 49ers. While making it to the NFC Divisional round is a solid accomplishment, they were blown out by their division rival and didn't have much of a chance.
All of the injuries this season have significantly hurt their chances to contend this year. While some key players were active, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Mykel Williams all sustained season-ending injuries on an already weak defense.
Entering the offseason, the 49ers must address their defense. ESPN's Ben Solak predicts they'll do just that. But, he doesn't think it's going to be simple changes. Solak predicts the 49ers are going to overhaul the defensive side of the ball this offseason.
49ers predicted to overhaul defense after 2025 letdown
"Big prediction for the offseason: The 49ers will go for a defensive overhaul," Solak writes. Whether it's a signing, trade, or draft pick, the 49ers are predicted to change up the defense in a big way.
After losing Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga to the Denver Broncos, the 49ers saw some major defensive regression. And combined with the 49ers losing Bosa, Warner, and Williams for the year, their defense didn't have much of a chance.
Pass-rushers like John Franklin-Myers and Trey Hendrickson would be great free agents to go after, while the linebacker room with a player like Nakobe Dean could make a lot of sense.
After a 20-sack season, the worst in the NFL, adding more pass-rusher help is the top priority. But, improving the linebacker room outside of Warner and the secondary amid some shaky play this past season makes a lot of sense.
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The 49ers do have some solid defensive backs, but an overhaul of the defense could include searching for upgrades in the secondary.
Solak is predicting the 49ers will completely makeover their defense, and with Robert Saleh potentially heading elsewhere for a head coach opening, the defense might have a new play caller as well.
It's going to be an offseason of change for the 49ers, and the defensive side of the ball will likely see plenty of movement after the disappointing end to the 2025 season.
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