Offense must address issues at wide receiver
Sanders’ departure is biggest hit to 49ers’ offense; much of 2019 roster remains intact
A week into free agency and Emmanuel Sanders’ exit is what hit the 49ers’ offense hardest. Other than that, their depth chart still looks above average.
Jimmy Garoppolo, still here. Topnotch rushing attack, primed for more. Tight end George Kittle, still grinding toward a big pay day.
Coach Kyle Shanahan’s stated goal is to retain as much of last season’s NFC-winning roster intact, and his offense should not look radically different in 2020.
When will the 49ers reunite for offseason workouts? Well, NFL offseason programs are indefinitely on hold. The 49ers’ was to start April 20, and now May 20 looks like a stretch.
That delay will hurt teams initiating a new coach, quarterback, system, etc. The 49ers are on Year 4 under
Shanahan, and that familiarity will give them an advantage in a shortened offseason.
Here is how the offensive depth chart appears one week into free agency:
Quarterback
Jimmy Garoppolo
Nick Mullens
C.J. Beathard
Analysis: While national media wildly speculated that Garoppolo might swap places with Tom Brady,
the 49ers wisely stayed the course. Meanwhile, Garoppolo vacationed in Kauai, an idyllic setting anytime, especially when there’s noise to escape. Mullens beat out Beathard last year for the No. 2 role that wasn’t summoned upon thanks to Jimmy G’s knee recovery. That same, three-man wolf pack should be in store for 2020. A fourth QB will be brought in, perhaps with a low draft pick, to help at training camp.
Running back
Raheem Mostert
Kyle Juszczyk (FB) Tevin Coleman
Matt Breida
Jerick McKinnon
Jeff Wilson Jr. Analysis: Mostert’s breakout season, highlighted by his 220yard masterpiece in the NFC Championship win, ought to reserve him a larger role. Options abound to complement him, and that might finally include McKinnon, who renegotiated his salary ($6.5 million to $910,000) after missing two seasons with a knee injury. Coleman and Breida are not locks, especially not Coleman at a $4.5 million salary. Breida drew a $3.3 million tender. Wilson is no afterthought, not after scoring some big touchdowns last year, including the game winner against Arizona that showed receiving ability the 49ers hope to get from McKinnon. Extending Juszczyk ($5 million salary in 2020) must be on the to-do list.
Wide receiver
Deebo Samuel Kendrick Bourne Richie James Jr. Dante Pettis Marquise Goodwin Trent Taylor
Jalen Hurd
Shawn Poindexter Chris Thompson Analysis: Sanders’ replacement could come with the No. 13 overall draft pick, acquired in last week’s trade of DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts. Look no further than Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy or Henry Ruggs. Or perhaps the 49ers finally deal for Odell Beckham Jr., if they can handle $14 million annually. Samuel has fast become a star, so must handle more on-field attention and off-field fame. Bourne is maturing into a reliable cog. Taylor (foot) and Hurd (back) must prove healthhy. Pettis needs to rebound from a sophomore slump. Goodwin looks as good as gone with his $4 million salary and last season’s curious exit to injured reserve. Addressing the wide receiver position is such an annual rallying cry that the 49ers have drafted at least one each year since 2003.
Free agent: Jordan Matthews.
Departure: Emmanuel Sanders (Saints; two years, $16 million).
Tight end
George Kittle
Ross Dwelley
Daniel Helm Analysis: Paying Kittle the richest contract in NFL history for a tight end is the 49ers’ primary task. He is their offense’s catalyst with hard-fought yards after the catch and hilariously devastating blocks. To help him and the offense, a top-tier tight end must be added, at the very least to replace Levine Toilolo’s blocking ability in two tight-end sets. Dwelley needs to show he can be more than a relief option for Kittle and Juszczyk. Helm should be ready after spending most of last season on the practice squad.
Departure: Levine Toilolo (Giants; terms unknown).
Offensive line
LT Joe Staley
LG Laken Tomlinson C Weston Richburg RG Daniel Brunskill RT Mike McGlinchey C/G Ben Garland
G Tom Compton
T Shon Coleman
T Justin Skule
G Ross Reynolds
G Kofi Amichia
C Jake Brendel
T Jaryd Jones-Smith T Leonard Wester Analysis: The 49ers have yet to confirm Thursday’s moves at guard: releasing two-year starter Mike Person (per ESPN), signing Shanahan-schooled journeyman Tom Compton (league source confirmed). Look for Brunskill to get a starting shot, if he can beat out Compton, Garland, Reynolds and perhaps a rookie hot shot. Keeping the “bro-line” intact will do wonders for consistency sake, but strengthening the interior is vital. Richburg is overcoming another knee injury so that center spot definitely should not be overlooked. Coleman re-signed to compete with Skule and others as backup tackles, which were in great demand last season.
Free agent: T Andrew Lauderdale.
Departed: G Mike Person (reported release, pending).