The San Francisco 49ers have made a significant push to enhance their financial flexibility by offloading 17 players this offseason, resulting in an NFL-high dead cap hit of $92,651,013. This decision reflects a strategic shift, aiming to streamline their roster and improve future salary cap management. Notably, the Philadelphia Eagles follow closely with a dead cap figure of $71,991,237 after their recent trades.

Among the notable 49ers released are Deebo Samuel, Arik Armstead, and Leonard Floyd, all of whom considerably impact the team's cap space. This move showcases the 49ers' commitment to establishing a more financially sustainable roster while potentially unlocking future acquisitions or contract extensions for their remaining core players.

In recent years, the San Francisco 49ers have thrived with a formidable pass rush. However, the 2024 season saw a dip, ranking 18th in the NFL with a mere 6.69% sack rate. In an effort to revitalize their defense, the 49ers focused heavily on the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting defensive end Mykel Williams at 11th overall. ESPN's Ben Solak has predicted that Williams will win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award if deployed effectively and stays healthy. His potential to dominate opposite Nick Bosa could lead to a breakout season, potentially surpassing his college high of five sacks. The 49ers also made minimal additions to their roster, mainly retaining key players while parting ways with others like Leonard Floyd and De'Vondre Campbell.

The San Francisco 49ers made a strategic move in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting linebacker Nick Martin from Oklahoma State with their 75th overall pick. The decision comes on the heels of significant changes in their linebacker corps, particularly with the departure of Dre Greenlaw to the Denver Broncos and the addition of Luke Gifford to Robert Saleh's defense. With Fred Warner leading the unit, the 49ers sought depth at the position as they head into the upcoming season.

Martin, a former three-star recruit, had an impressive college career, wrapping up his four years at Oklahoma State with a total of 203 tackles, including 24 for loss, alongside seven sacks. His ability to disrupt plays and contribute in various defensive roles likely played a key factor in his selection, as the 49ers aim to maintain a strong defense in light of recent roster changes.

The San Francisco 49ers are embarking on a significant rebuild after a challenging 2024 season that ended with a 6-11 record, a stark contrast to their Super Bowl run in 2023. The team is parting ways with veteran edge rusher Leonard Floyd, who was signed last offseason. His release, while modest in terms of cap savings, symbolizes the broader changes within the roster, marking the departure of ten starters, including key players like Deebo Samuel and Javon Hargrave.

As the 49ers aim to rejuvenate their lineup, the focus will shift to the upcoming draft to fill those gaps with promising talent. Additionally, the clock is ticking on quarterback Brock Purdy’s rookie contract, making it imperative for the team to identify budget-friendly contributors to support their star quarterback while navigating the Salary Cap landscape.