The Niners have come close in recent years, getting to the Super Bowl three times in the last 12 seasons. They have dropped all three of those games, and all of them have been within reach. Two of those losses were by three points and the third saw the Niners have the lead in the fourth quarter before dropping a 31-20 decision.
Two of the losses were to the Chiefs, while the third was to the Baltimore Ravens. The 49ers lost in the NFC title game following the 2021 and 2022 seasons. They have clearly been one of the NFL’s elite teams for multiple seasons.
Despite their consistent play in recent seasons, there was talk that the Niners were in line to make trades during the NFL Draft that would send some of their core players out of the Bay Area. Two of the players that were mentioned included wide receiver Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, but general manager John Lynch shot down those rumors during a recent appearance on the Pat McAfee show.
“I love our roster and I love the way it’s comprised,” Lynch said. “I’m doing everything in my power to keep our roster together and that’s my goal. Deebo and Aiyuk are guys that we drafted and we couldn’t be more proud of these guys.”
Hard to top 49ers fire power
The 49ers figure to have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFC once again during the 2024 season. They are loaded with skill position talent, and it starts with quarterback Brock Purdy. As he prepared for his third year in the NFL, he has demonstrated that he can read defenses quickly, find the open receiver and deliver the ball with speed and accuracy.
Running back Christian McCaffrey is the best at his position in the league. In addition to running between the tackles or getting to the outside, he is an outstanding receiver and capable of dominating in any game.
Aiyuk and Samuel are the Niners two primary receivers and they selected Ricky Pearsall in the draft.
Throw in tight end George Kittle and Niners clearly have one of the most versatile offenses in the league.
Samuel caught 60 passes for 892 yards and 7 touchdowns last season. His best year came in 2021 when he caught 77-1,405-6. He also ran for 365 yards and 8 touchdowns that season.
Aiyuk was targeted 105 times last year and he caught 75 passes for 1,342 yards and 7 touchdowns. He caught 78 passes for 1,015 yards with 8 touchdowns in 2022.
As long as San Francisco’s core players can stay healthy, the 49ers have the kind of offensive firepower that should allow them to contend in the NFC once again.
