The San Francisco 49ers will enter the 2025 season under intense scrutiny as they aim to rebound from a disappointing 2024 campaign and re-establish themselves as Super Bowl contenders.
Despite undergoing notable offseason changes, the team still carries immense expectations. What happens during training camp could play a major role in determining whether they can meet those lofty goals.
Last year’s camp was marred by off-field distractions, including contract disputes involving Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams. This time around, those issues are behind them, with extensions already in place for Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Fred Warner. As a result, the spotlight is firmly on on-field performance.
With the bar set high, several offensive players face growing pressure heading into camp. Here’s a closer look at three who need to rise to the occasion:
Christian McCaffrey
While McCaffrey isn’t the entirety of the 49ers’ offense, he remains its driving force. The difference in the unit’s effectiveness with him on the field was stark, especially given his extended absence last season.
Beyond his rushing prowess, McCaffrey transforms the passing game by creating mismatches and serving as a reliable outlet for Purdy, often turning short passes into first downs.
Given how vital he is to the team’s offensive success, staying healthy is critical. Although injuries are often out of a player’s control, McCaffrey must get through camp without any physical setbacks. Encouragingly, he has adjusted his training to avoid overexertion.
According to his father, Ed McCaffrey, Christian has approached this offseason with more patience and a carefully planned regimen to ensure he’s primed for the long haul. “He over-trained a bit last year after the Super Bowl loss,” Ed told Sportscasting’s Kyle Odegard. “This year, he’s been methodical and disciplined. He’ll be ready when Week 1 comes.”
For both McCaffrey and the team, it’s essential that this more measured approach pays off.
Ricky Pearsall
Pearsall’s rookie season was impacted by injuries from an off-field shooting incident that delayed his debut until Week 7. Still, his strong finish hinted that the 49ers were justified in selecting him with the 31st pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Now, in his second year, there are no asterisks. With Deebo Samuel traded and Brandon Aiyuk potentially sidelined to start the season, Pearsall could shoulder a significant load in the passing game early on.
Like McCaffrey, concerns around Pearsall center on his health. A hamstring injury kept him out of OTAs and minicamp, and he needs to prove during camp that he can stay on the field—and possibly become the team’s top receiver.
The emergence of other receivers like Demarcus Robinson, Jacob Cowing, and Jacob Watkins adds further urgency for Pearsall to hit the ground running.
Ben Bartch
The 49ers opted not to draft a guard early after Aaron Banks left in free agency, a decision that shows their confidence in Ben Bartch. Re-signed to a one-year deal, Bartch has a chance to claim the left guard position as his own.
Though he’ll compete with Spencer Burford, Nick Zakelj, and rookies Connor Colby and Drew Moss, Bartch appears to have the inside track. The 49ers have seen enough of him in practice to believe he’s ready for a larger role after starting 20 games with the Jaguars.
His time on the field for San Francisco has been limited, though. He started just two games, including a solid showing in a snowy matchup in Buffalo before a high-ankle sprain ended his season. Now, the team is betting on him to deliver over the course of a full year.
It’s a risk, but one that could pay off in a big way if Bartch solidifies the line. He enters camp needing to prove he belongs in the starting five and shut down any talk of a position battle.
Let me know if you’d like a shorter summary or to focus on just one of the players.