49ers Replace Defensive Coordinator, Revamp Defense Ahead 2025 Season

The San Francisco 49ers made few high-profile moves in the 2025 offseason, focusing on retaining key players like Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Fred Warner while letting go of notable names such as Deebo Samuel and Dre Greenlaw. Their most significant addition was hiring Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator, a move widely seen as a major upgrade that should improve their defense despite a large turnover in personnel and rookies starting at several positions. The defense saw many new faces, including Bryce Huff (acquired via trade), Mykel Williams, and several others, with hopes that Saleh's coaching will overcome initial growing pains. On special teams, the 49ers drafted Montana wide receiver and return specialist Junior Bergen, potentially addressing their long-standing struggles in kickoff and punt returns. Meanwhile, the defensive line underwent significant changes, with veterans like Drake Jackson and Leonard Floyd departing and younger players like Williams and Huff stepping in, putting players like Robert Beal Jr. in uncertain roster positions. Reflecting on their 2024 draft, some analysts suggest the 49ers might have prioritized offensive line help over wide receiver, given injuries and trades, to better support quarterback Brock Purdy moving forward.