Top 10 San Francisco 49ers Players Going Into the 2025-26 Season

The San Francisco 49ers are running out of chances to win the Super Bowl with the current core. Last season was a massive disappointment, thanks to a dramatic and tumultuous offseason and injuries piling up left and right. They ultimately finished 6-11 and in last place in the division.

On paper, this team can still put together a deep playoff run. But staying on the field and healthy has seemingly been a problem across the board for San Francisco.

This has to be their biggest test to finally win the big one. It almost feels like a now or never situation.

1. Nick Bosa

   

   Nick Bosa has been elite from the moment he entered the league. He's been named to 5 Pro Bowls in his first 6 seasons (4 straight), was named Defensive Rookie of the Year, was named First Team All-Pro, and Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.

   He's been a total machine and nightmare fuel for any opponent he faces. PFF gave him a 91.0 grade, ranking 4th among defensive ends in the league.

   He's emerged as one of the most important players for San Francisco and a true leader on the defensive side of the ball. Bosa should continue to be a dynamic, disruptive force on the Niners defense for years to come.

2. George Kittle

   

   George Kittle is a clear top 3 tight end in the league right now. He's an excellent receiver and excellent blocker as well. Kittle has 6 Pro Bowls (4 consecutive), 2 First Team All-Pros, and 2 Second Team All-Pros to his name so far.

   He finished the year with over 1,100 yards, leading the Niners in receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. PFF officially has Kittle as the highest graded tight end in the league with a 92.1 grade. His stats also rank top 15 overall among all receivers and tight ends in the NFL.

   Kittle is nothing short of an elite tight end and a true stalwart of the Niners offense and should continue to be that guy for years to come. He could potentially find his way into the Hall of Fame someday.

3. Trent Williams

   

   Trent Williams (born July 19, 1988) is an American football offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers. A five‑time First‑team All‑Pro and seven‑time Pro Bowl player, Williams is regarded as one of the top offensive linemen in the NFL. He joined the 49ers in 2020 and helped solidify their offensive... read more

   Trent Williams is one of the best, if not the best, offensive linemen in the league right now. He's as consistent as they come ever since he's been in the league.

   A dominant, elite tackle with plenty of accomplishments to back it up, including 11 Pro Bowls and a 3 time First Team All-Pro selection. PFF ranked him as the 6th best player at his position.

   My only real concern is he's in his late 30s, coming off an injury that kept him sidelined for the latter part of the season. Eventually, you gotta wonder how much more he has left in him before he retires.

4. Fred Warner

   

   Fred Warner has been elite, one of the best defensive players in the league, honestly. Four Pro Bowls and four First Team All-Pro selections justify that claim, especially with three consecutive Pro Bowls and All-Pros.

   He hasn't missed a game in the NFL and has consistently produced at an elite level. His PFF grade is 4th highest in the league among linebackers.

   To say he's been incredible would be an understatement. Warner may very well be on the path to Canton if he keeps his productivity up like he has. A true stalwart and leader on the defensive side of the ball for San Francisco.

5. Brock Purdy

   

   Brock Purdy has been overall solid. The debate is still ongoing whether or not he's a "system quarterback" or a "game manager." Honestly, it's one of those cases where it's left to the eyes of the beholder.

   For what it's worth, he did make a Pro Bowl in 2023. Granted, his 2024 stats are worse by comparison. I'm of the opinion that a large reason why is because of so many injuries to the Niners as a whole.

   He still finished top 10 in passing yards last season. Game manager or not, Brock Purdy is still a great quarterback capable of leading his team to the big game. Better hope a deal gets done sooner rather than later.

6. Christian McCaffrey

   

   Christian Jackson McCaffrey (born June 7, 1996) is an American professional football running back for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Stanford Cardinal and was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the eighth overall pick in the 2017... read more

   When Christian McCaffrey is healthy, he's one of the most electrifying, efficient, and effective running backs in the league. Unfortunately, the phrase "when he's healthy" is the key. Injuries have proven to be his fatal flaw.

   He missed nearly all of last season because of injuries alone. Anyone who picked him in fantasy football knows the pain. I think he's still got a few more productive seasons left in the tank.

   He's definitely got a decorated resume, with 3 Pro Bowls, 2 First Team All-Pros, and AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2023. If he can return to form in 2025, there's a case that he should be much higher on this list. But for now, injuries have become too big of a concern to ignore.

7. Brandon Aiyuk

   

   Brandon Aiyuk is a decent wide receiver overall. He had great numbers in 2022 and 2023 with over 1,000 yards and 7 or more touchdowns in both years.

   He's not the type of player to immediately elevate an offense but is still a high end, valuable asset and a phenomenal route runner. He got paid big time this past offseason (4 years, $120 million) for a reason.

   He should bounce back to 2023 form this year. He's obviously talented and has proven his ability. Ideally, he'll have several more productive years in his prime.

8. Mykel Williams

   

   The Niners defensive line is a little thin following Leonard Floyd's release. Mykel Williams has the potential to become really good. He's likely a day one starter.

   He's been regarded highly as an excellent run blocker. He's also shown the ability to play edge or middle of the defensive line. His pass rushing needs a little bit of improvement, however.

   As a Bulldog, Williams won a National Championship and was Second Team All-SEC twice. This guy was a bit of a gamble, but his potential is sky high. If he can develop, pairing him with Bosa will make for a scary good defensive duo.

9. Jauan Jennings

   

   It feels like not very many people knew of Jennings until this past season. There's an argument that he's the best wide receiver on the 49ers currently.

   He didn't really have a true role on the offense until injuries started happening to everyone else. He was always just viewed as a depth piece.

   Now, after his 2024 season, he could very well see an expanded role on offense after being the leading wide receiver in 2024. He had just short of 1,000 yards (975 total) and 6 touchdowns. He undoubtedly had a career year in 2024, earning him an extended contract in the offseason.

10. Deommodore Lenoir

    

    A bit of a wild card pick here, but Lenoir has quietly become one of the better cornerbacks in the league. He has emerged as a true leader in the 49ers secondary recently.

    For as disappointing as 2024 was for San Francisco, Lenoir was one of the few bright spots, at the very least. He has shown the ability to play the slot or outside, proving he's a valuable asset for the 49ers.

    They gave him a lucrative contract extension in November 2024 (5 years, $92 million), cementing his status as a key component in the Niners secondary. He finished 2024 with 2 interceptions and 85 combined tackles.

    An underrated cornerback who doesn't get enough credit. I'm expecting a true breakout season in 2025.