Who’s likely to stay, and who’s likely to go
With only rookie-contract quarterbacks signed to the 2023 roster, the 49ers are in good shape in terms of the salary cap but will still make some hard decisions regarding who stays and who goes with the draft and free agency approaching.
After the disappointment of losing the NFC Championship Game 31-7 to the Philadelphia Eagles, coach Kyle Shanahan is in the process of adjusting his coaching staff with the departures of defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and passing game coordinator Bobby Slowik — both to the Houston Texans.
The presence of Ryans and Slowik in Houston makes the Texans prime candidates to land any one of a number of 49ers unrestricted free agents for step-in-and-start roles. The same goes for former 49ers assistants who are head coaches in Miami (Mike McDaniel) and the New York Jets (Robert Saleh).
Out the door
QB Jimmy Garoppolo: He’s got Joe Montana in his corner, but most everyone else including Shanahan and Lynch realizes the situation is dramatically different than a year ago. Jimmy G has all the leverage. And he’ll use it.
RT Mike McGlinchey: Strong run-blocker will cash in after making it through the season healthy. Could end up with an average salary between $15 million and $16 million. A solid late-season game against the Raiders’ Maxx Crosby drove his price up. Too rich for the 49ers’ blood.
DB Jimmie Ward: Ward never missed a chance to remind everyone he was a displaced free safety in 2022. The fact is, he was more valuable as a slot corner. Doubt the 49ers want to have to convince him all over again.
OLB: Azeez Al-Shaair: Played in 12 games with nine starts and 42 percent of the snaps as Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw rarely leave the field. Al-Shaair could be in line for that opportunity elsewhere and the big raise that comes with it.
Sticking around
CB Emmanuel Moseley: Lost to a torn ACL in Week 5, Lynch made it sound in his postseason wrap-up like Moseley in terms of makeup is everything the 49ers want in a cover corner. Assuming he accepts the offer, he’ll get every chance to return to form.
C Jake Brendel: Played more snaps than anyone on the roster. Since Shanahan arrived in 2017, the 49ers have cycled through Daniel Kilgore, Weston Richberg and Alex Mack. Brendel could provide some more long-term stability.
OL Daniel Brunskill: Can play all five positions along the offensive line in a pinch and with limited practice time. That kind of versatility should get him at least another year or two.