The San Francisco 49ers have experienced a mass exodus in free agency, losing 10 players so far. In a series of surprising moves, the Niners have parted ways with several key contributors, sparking debate and earning San Francisco a poor grade from PFSN analysts.
San Francisco 49ers’ Roster Overhaul Graded Harshly
Notable Signings: WR Demarcus Robinson, QB Mac Jones
Notable Departures: WR Deebo Samuel Sr. (trade), OT Jaylon Moore, OG Aaron Banks, SAF Talanoa Hufanga, CB Charvarius Ward, LB Dre Greenlaw, DT Javon Hargrave, DT Maliek Collins, DE Leonard Floyd, FB Kyle Juszczyk
The 49ers agreed to a two-year, $7 million deal with Jones, but many are questioning whether he can be an effective starter if Brock Purdy misses time in 2025. Jones has regressed over the past three seasons and threw just eight touchdowns in seven starts last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
San Francisco’s other notable signing was adding Demarcus Robinson to the receiving corps. He is expected to back up Brandon Aiyuk, who could get off to a slow start due to a knee injury he suffered in October. Robinson is coming off a career-best season with 31 receptions for 505 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024. He signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract.
However, the departures of Banks, Samuel, and Moore—along with several other key players—have left 49ers fans with plenty of questions. That’s why San Francisco received a “D” grade in free agency from PFSN’s Stats and Insights team, who wrote:
“It is hard to offer much praise for the moves that the San Francisco 49ers have made so far this offseason. They have allowed a lot of veteran talent to leave, some through free agency and others through either releasing players or trades.
“There is a case to be made that this is addition by subtraction for the 49ers. Deebo Samuel Sr.’s play has not been the same as it was a couple of years ago, while Aaron Banks and Jaylon Moore were both far from proven at the prices they commanded in free agency. The same could be said for Charvarius Ward and potentially Javon Hargrave, who both had their struggles in 2024.
“The 49ers have the cap space to start making moves, but they may want to let the market settle and then add some starters or depth options when the prices begin to fall toward the end of the first wave of free agency and into the second wave. There is time to turn this offseason around, but the transaction table makes for a tough read if you are a 49ers fan so far.”
MORE: PFSN’s Top 121 Free Agents
San Francisco finished last in the NFC West with a 6-11 record last season, which may have contributed to this roster overhaul. However, with no major additions yet to make them a playoff contender, a “D” grade is about as generous as the 49ers could get.