The San Francisco 49ers are in the middle of a major roster overhaul, a process that owner Jed York says is necessary to keep the team competitive long-term. In a candid reflection on the team’s situation, York emphasized the tough sacrifices needed to manage the financial challenges of maintaining a top-tier NFL roster.
San Francisco 49ers Face Harsh Realities With Major Roster Cuts and Rebuilding
The 49ers are making difficult decisions this offseason as they reshape their roster. York openly acknowledged the reasoning behind these moves, pointing to financial constraints and long-term planning. With quarterback Brock Purdy’s contract extension looming, the organization focused on cost-cutting and restructuring to prepare for the future.
The shake-up started with several high-profile departures, including defensive linemen Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins. Hargrave, released just two years into a four-year deal, battled injuries in 2024, limiting his impact. Collins, acquired in a trade from Houston, helped with the pass rush but struggled against the run. Both quickly found new homes, signing lucrative deals with Minnesota and Cleveland, respectively.
The restructuring didn’t stop there. The 49ers also parted ways with veteran defensive end Leonard Floyd and longtime fullback Kyle Juszczyk (who returned in free agency). Key defensive players like Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, and Charvarius Ward signed elsewhere, leaving noticeable gaps in San Francisco’s lineup.
Meanwhile, backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs and offensive contributors Jaylon Moore and Elijah Mitchell departed in free agency.
York made it clear these moves were part of a broader financial strategy.
“We knew that we had to make sacrifices around the roster to make sure that you can pay a quarterback, right? Like, it’s just math,” he told Mike Garafolo.
The 49ers have seen how hard it is to sustain success without a franchise quarterback, and they’re committed to keeping Purdy as their long-term answer.
Despite the departures, San Francisco made some calculated additions. They signed backup quarterback Mac Jones to a two-year, $7 million deal to provide depth behind Purdy. Former Seattle cornerback Tre Brown also joined the team, while linebacker Curtis Robinson re-signed for another year. These moves suggest a shift toward younger, more cost-effective talent.
York revealed that discussions about Purdy’s future began midway through last season. While the exact timeline was unclear, he emphasized that the front office had already determined Purdy was their guy.
“It wasn’t like you’d just sit down in November… but it’s like, look, is anybody opposed to doing Brock? And it’s like, no, you have to,” he explained.
That conviction has shaped the team’s offseason approach, aligning resources to lock in Purdy’s extension.
While the roster changes may be tough in the short term, the 49ers believe these sacrifices are necessary to stay competitive in the long run. With York’s backing, head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch now face the challenge of building a contender under a new financial reality.