The 49ers could look very different after Super Bowl LIV

Super Bowl LIV will mark the final time this group of San Francisco 49ers take the field.

The roster will certainly receive some shake-ups, but the real threat of loss in free agency does not arrive until 2021. Tight end George Kittle, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and cornerback Richard Sherman are just a few of the big names that could bolt after the following season. The time is even more valuable for the following 49ers that John Lynch must act on this offseason.

Arik Armstead

While this year’s pass-rushing additions stole headlines, the man who played opposite of Nick Bosa and Dee Ford had the best year of his career. In his fifth season the former first round pick from Oregon recorded career highs in tackles (54), tackles for loss (11), sacks (10), quarterback hits (18) and pass deflections (2).

Once the Super Bowl storm calms down, how the 49ers handle Armstead will be the story of the San Francisco offseason. With big names due for big contracts the following year, other franchises may have too much money for the unrestricted free agent to decline.

Emmanuel Sanders

The trade for Sanders ensured 49er fans the the time is now. Sanders has lived up to the hype, reeling in 36 receptions for 502 yards and three touchdowns in 10 regular-season games. With two 100+ yard receiving games, the veteran has proved he’s still good enough to earn significant snaps in the league. Still, re-signing a 33-year old wide receiver is risky business.  

Kendrick Bourne

A restricted free agent in 2020 that previously went undrafted out of Eastern Washington, Bourne has made a case that he’s earned another year in the Bay. After catching 30 passes for 358 yards and five touchdowns in the regular season, he scored a touchdown and picked up 40 receiving yards in the Divisional Round against Minnesota. If Lynch subscribes to recency bias as much as fans, Bourne will be back next fall. 

Matt Breida

Any sort of recency bias will hurt this running back. Even though he averaged more than five yards a carry and was hampered by injuries throughout the season, fumbling problems arose at the worst possible time. He put two on the turf in week 15 against Atlanta and lost a fumble in the playoffs against Minnesota.

The timing does not help Breida’s case to re-sign, nor does the crowded running back room. Raheem Mostert played the best game of his career in the NFC Championship Game, Tevin Coleman was steady throughout the season and Jerrick McKinnon returns from injury next fall.
Unless he forces their hand with an exceptional Super Bowl performance, Breida’s time in the Bay is likely nearing its conclusion.

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