By Sunday 
Learning From the Past to Finally Capture a Super Bowl
The San Francisco 49ers have been heartbreakingly close to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in recent years. But as the old saying goes, “close, but no cigar.”
If they want to finally win Super Bowl LX, they must address key weaknesses while avoiding the mistakes that have haunted them in the past.
1. Replacing Deebo Samuel the Right Way
One of the biggest challenges this offseason is filling the void left by All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who was traded to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Samuel’s departure marks the end of an era in San Francisco. His explosive playmaking ability was a game-changer, and while finding a direct replacement seems logical, the 49ers might be better off evolving their offense rather than searching for a carbon copy of Deebo.
Instead of chasing a clone, Kyle Shanahan and his coaching staff could reimagine their offensive approach—one that maximizes their remaining talent while incorporating new weapons effectively.
2. Reinventing the Defensive Front Seven
Deebo isn’t the only significant departure. The 49ers’ defense is set to lose key contributors, including cornerback Charvarius Ward and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. Meanwhile, questions linger over the futures of linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga.
This creates a massive challenge for returning defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. While his presence will bring familiarity and stability, personnel matters more than scheme. With multiple impact players leaving, San Francisco must shift from temporary, patchwork fixes to a sustainable strategy—getting younger, cheaper, and more explosive on defense.
3. Smarter Personnel Rotation
Despite their recent success, the 49ers haven’t always operated like a well-oiled machine. Individual brilliance has carried them, but their lack of proper personnel rotation has sometimes cost them efficiency and balance.
Take Kyle Juszczyk, for example. The versatile fullback is an elite lead-blocker and pass protector, but he’s also an underrated receiving threat—one that’s been underutilized in recent seasons.
The same can be said for running back Jordan Mason, who saw his role diminish after Christian McCaffrey returned from injury. Veteran wide receiver Chris Conley and tight ends Jake Tonges and Eric Saubert were also sidelined for much of 2024.
If the 49ers want to maximize their roster, Kyle Shanahan must ensure depth players are used strategically throughout the season. A deeper rotation could prevent injuries, keep key players fresh, and create a more dynamic offensive attack.
Final Thoughts: The Time is Now
The 49ers have been one of the NFL’s most dominant teams over the past five seasons, yet they continue to fall just short of the ultimate prize. To change that, they must adapt—replacing Samuel wisely, rebuilding their defensive core, and optimizing their player usage.
The pieces are there. Now, it’s about executing the right plan to finally turn “almost” into a championship.