San Francisco 49ers 2015 Offseason Guide

Tom Downey · 49ers Report
Jan 11, 2015 · 11:09 PM CT

Season Summary:

Jim Harbaugh is at the University of Michigan now. That says everything you need to know about the San Francisco 49ers' season. It wasn't a terrible years, but it wasn't good enough for a squad only a few seasons removed from nearly winning the Super Bowl. Getting healthy will be a big step, but the 49ers have a massive hole at head coach. Whoever the 49ers tab will have massive shoes to fill.

Updated Jan. 11

Projected Salary Cap Space (via Spotrac):

$-10,786,336

Team Needs:

1. Defensive end: Ray McDonald was cut and Justin Smith might retire. Tony Jerod-Eddie wasn’t ready and probably isn’t the answer anyway. Perhaps Tank Carradine will get a shot, but the 49ers need help here.

2. Wide Receiver: Stevie Johnson played well, but didn’t get that many snaps. Cutting him would save over $6 million. Anquan Boldin is aging, while Michael Crabtree and Brandon Lloyd are free agents. Bruce Ellington is intriguing, but another draft pick could be spent here.

3. Offensive guard: Mike Iupati is a free agent. He didn’t have his best season, but he needs to be resigned.

4. Cornerback: The 49ers have three corners who are entering free agency (see below). They can't afford to lose Perrish Cox and Chris Culliver.

5. Running back: Frank Gore is a free agent. He likely won’t be back, which leaves Carlos Hyde as the top back. Finding someone to pair with him would make sense.

6. Quarterback: Colin Kaepernick is the starter for the forseeable future, but a backup is needed. Blaine Gabbert and Josh Johnson are both free agents.