49ers' Biggest Keys To Having Successful NFL Offseason

The San Francisco 49ers do not have to worry about losing any star players after their Super Bowl run.

To get back to the Big Game, the 49ers need to improve the interior on both sides of the ball in the NFL offseason.

The 49ers could get better on the offensive line and have a few defensive linemen set to hit free agency. San Francisco could also lose safety Tashaun Gipson to free agency.

At the moment, San Francisco has very little salary cap space to work with, so it will have to get creative with how it builds certain parts of the 2024 roster.

Success in the 2024 NFL draft is vital to the 49ers having a successful offseason. They could fill some depth with their 11 selections.

Not Losing All Defensive Free Agents

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 11: Chase Young #92 of the San Francisco 49ers lines up during the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Chase Young, Javon Kinlaw, Tashaun Gipson and Randy Gregory are among San Francisco's notable defensive free agents.

Young might be the most important free agent to keep in San Francisco because of his age and potential.

At his best, Young could be a menacing counterpart for Nick Bosa. The two edge-rushers have the potential to wreak havoc on NFC quarterbacks for years.

Kinlaw and Gregory can still be key components of the defensive line and they will likely come at cheaper costs than Young.

Gipson probably has the worst case to make to stay in San Francisco. The 49ers could elevate Ji'Ayir Brown's role next to Talanoa Hufanga at safety and draft more depth behind them.

Invest in Offensive Line Early in Draft

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 11: Trent Williams #71 of the San Francisco 49ers walks off the field during Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

The 49ers' offensive line situation is not in dire straits, but it could get better.

San Francisco should look to improve the offensive line with either the No. 31 or No. 63 overall pick.

The 49ers should target the interior of the offensive line because they still have Trent Williams at left tackle.

San Francisco could look into drafting Williams' replacement in April, but the primary goal should be to find an upgrade on the offensive interior.

Five interior offensive lineman are listed in the top 40 prospects by Bleacher Report's NFL scouting department. At least one of them should be available for consideration at No. 31.

If not, the 49ers could use their second-round pick on the offensive interior. Eight interior players are listed in B/R's top 60 prospects.

Use the Draft to Fill Depth Across Roster

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 11: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers looks on in overtime against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The NFL draft will be the most valuable player acquisition method for the 49ers this offseason.

San Francisco likely will not make major moves in free agency because of its lack of salary cap space.

Four of San Francisco's picks are in the top 100. It has two picks in the fourth and sixth rounds as well as one each in the fifth and seventh rounds.

A year ago, the 49ers landed Ji'Ayir Brown and Jake Moody in the third round, which marked the start of their draft participation.

Brock Purdy, Deommodore Lenoir, Elijah Mitchell, Talanoa Hufanga and Jauan Jennings all turned into success stories from Day 3 of the NFL draft in the last three seasons.

San Francisco's staff needs to use that same eye for talent to add depth across the middle so that the franchise is best equipped to return to the Super Bowl.