The 2026 offseason has officially arrived in Santa Clara, and for the first time in the Kyle Shanahan era, the San Francisco 49ers are experiencing the bill coming due.
While the Niners managed a 12–5 record last season with injuries in abundance, they did so while watching their offense slowly dismantle. Now, with the new league year looming, general manager John Lynch faces a singular, existential question: How do you keep Brock Purdy, a $265 million quarterback, elite when his entire supporting cast is hitting the exit?
Let's dive in.
The most urgent priority before April is the decimated wide receiver room, as the situation has shifted from a need to an absolute crisis:
- Brandon Aiyuk: After a season-long holdout and communication breakdown, the team has confirmed he has played his last snap as a Niner.