San Francisco 49ers revamp roster ahead of Seattle matchup
The 49ers have overhauled key positions, adding veteran wide receiver Mike Evans and reinforcing the linebacker and defensive line units as they prepare to face the Seahawks.
San Francisco has made significant personnel changes since its three meetings with Seattle earlier this season. The team added veteran wideout Mike Evans, whose efficiency metrics rank him among the league's top receivers, and expects him to stretch the field both vertically and horizontally. Evans recorded 17 catches last season, 14 of which resulted in first downs or touchdowns, according to team statistics.
The receiving corps also returns with Brock Purdy, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel, all of whom were unavailable during the previous playoff series. The wide-receiver group that started Week 18—Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, Demarcus Robinson and Skyy Moore—has been largely replaced.
At linebacker, the Niners have retained Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw while adding recent signings, including Garret Wallow and Dee Winters, who were signed late in the previous season. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris noted that Warner’s presence influences quarterback Sam Darnold’s decision-making.
The defensive line features interior pressure from Yetur Gross-Matos, Osa Odighizuwa, Gracen Halton and Sebastian Valdez, all of whom posted multiple impact plays in the regular season. Edge players such as Romello Height and Keion White have also seen increased snaps, and first-round pick Mykel Williams, who missed the final two games last year, is expected to contribute to run defense and pass-rush duties.
Overall, the roster adjustments aim to improve the 49ers’ ability to defend against Seattle’s outside-zone runs, which accounted for 60% of the Seahawks’ rushing attempts, and to provide a more versatile pass-rush package.