49ers’ 2025 Season: Youth Movement and Redemption Bid Mark New Era

A Fresh Start for the Red and Gold

The San Francisco 49ers are entering the 2025 season with determination to improve upon their disappointing 6-11 record from last year and make their way back to the playoffs after missing out.

Notable Changes and Returns

A significant development is the return of Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator after his four-year tenure with the New York Jets. He inherits a defense that ranked eighth in yards but struggled significantly in points allowed, finishing 29th in the league last season.

While the team has experienced several defensive departures, including Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, and Charvarius Ward, they still retain elite talents like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. The defense has been reinforced with free-agent addition Huff and several rookies, including their first-round pick Williams.

Youth Movement and Veteran Leadership

The 49ers are embracing a youth movement this season, with multiple young players set to take on significant roles. Six rookies are expected to contribute on defense immediately, starting from Week 1.

At quarterback, Brock Purdy has cemented his position as the franchise quarterback, signing a five-year extension after impressive performances that included nearly 10,000 yards and 64 touchdowns in 36 starts. The team also secured veteran depth by signing Jones to a two-year deal.

Season Outlook

While the Philadelphia Eagles begin the season as the clear favorites in the NFC, the 49ers’ schedule appears favorable, as they don’t face any 2024 playoff teams in the final eight weeks of the upcoming season. The team received positive news as star running back Christian McCaffrey is cleared to play in the season opener despite recent practice limitations due to a calf issue.