The San Francisco 49ers look poised to once again challenge for the Lombardi Trophy in the 2023 season. After losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game, in large part, because they didn’t have a healthy quarterback for the majority of the game, the team has reloaded to make another run.
While some question marks remain about the quarterback spot, as Brock Purdy’s health is something to keep an eye on, the 49ers are comfortable with what they have there. If not Purdy, the team will turn to Trey Lance, the No. 3 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, or veteran Sam Darnold.
Whoever is under center for the 49ers is going to have a great chance at succeeding as they will be surrounded by a ton of talent. San Francisco has the No. 1 rated group of skill position players in the NFL and with good reason.
For how good the offense looks to be, the defense could be even better. The 49ers had the No. 1 ranked unit on that side of the ball in 2022 and got even better with the free agent addition of Javon Hargrave.
Hargrave plugs their biggest hole on the interior of the defensive line, where they were gashed by the Eagles during the NFCCG. He provides another pass-rushing presence from the inside to take pressure off of Nick Bosa on the edge as well.
Speaking of Bosa, there is some business to be done with him. In the opinion of ESPN NFL Insider Field Yates, working out an extension with the former No. 2 overall pick is the one move the 49ers have left to do this offseason.
“This one didn’t require too much contemplation, as Bosa — the best defensive player on a team full of incredible defenders — is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is unquestionably due a new deal. The complex part is figuring out the exact numbers, but it’d be no surprise if it ends up among the richest ever signed by a defensive player.”
Coming off of a Defensive Player of the Year Award-winning season, Bosa has put himself in position for a massive payday. He has made the Pro Bowl in each of his three healthy seasons in the NFL and is one of the best players in the league at his position.
Already with multiple players at the top of their respective positions in annual salary, the 49ers could be adding another one in Bosa. He certainly has the bargaining power given his resume to demand one of the most lucrative deals in the league for a non-quarterback.
