At the annual NFL owners meetings, John Lynch, Kyle Shanahan, and owner Jed York spoke to the media to answer important questions. The San Francisco 49ers are coming off a successful 13-win season and look to keep up with their division rivals in Los Angeles and Seattle in 2026. There are some major changes to the roster, specifically the wide receiver room, but there are some questions about the status quo and what will remain from 2025 for the 49ers.
What are five burning questions that are left following the owners’ meetings?
Will the 49ers’ defense look different under Raheem Morris?
Shanahan stated that new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris won’t settle on a specific scheme until he sees the team in person during OTAs. In the past, the 49ers have kept the same principles on defense, regardless of the defensive coordinator in charge, and that should continue. However, it’s a fair assumption to see Morris’ twist on the same principles with more man coverage and a higher blitz rate. The 49ers were at the bottom of the league in blitz percentage, so it is easy to see that number go up.
Depending on how the 49ers address the defensive line in the draft, ala what type of EDGE rusher they select (speed or edge setter), we won’t have a better idea of what Morris has in store for the defense in 2026. Still, the easy assumption is more man and a higher blitz rate.
Who will play more games, Dre Greenlaw or Christian McCaffrey?
This is a tough one because the power of words is very real. Ideally, both will play 17 games with no issue. Greenlaw actually has more of a checkered past with injuries, but finished the season healthy in Denver. In fact, Greenlaw was excellent in the AFC Championship Game against New England. He should have no issues heading into training camp.
McCaffrey was the rock of the 49ers’ offense and is coming off a 400-plus-touchdown season. When we last saw him, he was fighting through injuries in Seattle, but he will be fine heading into training camp. With Shanahan’s comments about lightening his workload, McCaffrey may be fresher.
Shanahan will actually lighten McCaffrey’s workload?
The sentiment sounds nice. We’ve heard it before. The difference between this time and others is the reasoning. Shanahan talked about the lack of offensive firepower from the receiver position. This season seems to be different with the additions of Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, with a high draft pick possibly added to the fold.
I’m inclined to believe him this time because defenses will have to pay attention to the receivers much more. McCaffrey will still be the focal point, but the 49ers will have no excuse for overworking him with the new additions to the offense.
Will John Lynch be the 49ers GM in 3 years?
Lynch has two years remaining on his contract. When asked about the duo of Shanahan and Lynch, Jed York was very quick to state that Shanahan will be here for a long time, while throwing in Lynch at the end. It was almost like York realized halfway through his answer that he had to mention Lynch.
It has been speculated about Lynch’s desire to continue in the position, and with a possible successor from within. I’ll say Lynch will be promoted to a higher position with someone else named GM in three years. Shanahan has three years left on his contract, but there’s no doubt in my mind he’ll be extended.
When will the Trent Williams contract dispute be resolved?
Unfortunately, I think this one goes into training camp. Both sides will get it done, but it will go on far longer than anyone would like. Last season, Williams reported to training camp and did more than he has in a long time. As a result, he nearly finished the season playing in every game. The future Hall of Famer bet on himself, and it worked.
I hope I’m wrong, but I get the feeling this one will last into training camp, with the deadline being right before Week 1.
For a longer discussion with more questions, please check out the video below:
