Kenny Caraway: The 49ers are true Super Bowl contenders

The San Francisco 49ers are entering the 2026 season with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations, and Sacramento sports personality Kenny Caraway believes the team has made the necessary moves to put itself in position to make another championship run.

Appearing on Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show, Caraway pointed to San Francisco’s offseason additions and the development of several young players as reasons for optimism. But he also identified areas the 49ers still need to address if they want to ultimately win the Lombardi Trophy.

One of the biggest reasons for optimism is rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling, who has impressed throughout training camp and the preseason. Caraway believes the first-round pick has the physical tools to make an immediate impact.

“I believe he is the real deal,” Caraway said. “I have no doubt in my mind. I’m confident that De’Zhaun Stribling will be able to produce and do what he’s able to do in the preseason that he’s gonna be able to do in the regular season.”

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 13: De’zhaun Stribling #15 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a deep pass over Cor’dale Flott #18 of the Tennessee Titans in the first half at Levi’s Stadium on August 13, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Caraway also believes the addition of defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa could address one of San Francisco’s biggest weaknesses from last season. The 49ers struggled to consistently generate pressure up front, and Caraway sees Odighizuwa as a potential difference-maker.

“An absolute problem from everything that we’ve seen so far, and everything that we’ve heard in training camp,” Caraway said of Odighizuwa. “And then we see the actual game footage, and he’s disrupting everything.”

Caraway believes San Francisco cannot afford to have the same approach to the pass rush it had last season if it expects to contend for a Super Bowl.

“They need a pass rush,” Caraway said. “I think Osa is going to be able to help that. Obviously, Nick Bosa coming back is going to be able to help that.”

While Caraway is confident in the 49ers overall, he still has concerns about the secondary. He specifically pointed to the safety position and the team’s search for a reliable second cornerback opposite Deommodore Lenoir.

“That’s one of my big concerns about this 49ers team is that safety play,” Caraway said.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JANUARY 17: Zach Charbonnet #26 of the Seattle Seahawks is tackled by Dee Winters #53 and Deommodore Lenoir #2 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lumen Field on January 17, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Caraway praised Lenoir as one of the league’s most underrated cornerbacks but believes San Francisco needs to find answers elsewhere in the secondary.

“Cornerback-wise, I feel great,” Caraway said. “But they got to find that second cornerback, and they’ve got to find that safety situation.”

Ultimately, Caraway believes the 49ers have demonstrated through their offseason moves that they are firmly in win-now mode. Additions such as Odighizuwa, Stribling and Mike Evans have raised expectations, and Caraway believes San Francisco has a legitimate chance to compete for another Super Bowl.

“I think the 49ers are a true Super Bowl contender,” Caraway said. “They have championship aspirations.”

Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show with Matt George & Kayla Anderson, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• Kubiak: 49ers’ Offense getting boost from McCaffrey, Kittle returns
• 49ers sign TE Khalil Dinkins to 3-year deal
• Raheem Morris praises 49ers’ defensive bounce-back vs. Chargers
• George Kittle gets encouraging news after visit with surgeon

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

Preseason

• Thursday, August 27th – @ Las Vegas Raiders – 5:00 pm PT

Regular Season

• Thursday, September 10th – vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia (Season Opener) – 5:35 pm PT
• Sunday, September 20th – vs. Miami Dolphins – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Related

“We’re Here to Win the MAC”: Alonzo Carter’s Vision for Sacramento State FootballKubiak: 49ers’ Offense getting boost from McCaffrey, Kittle returns49ers sign TE Khalil Dinkins to 3-year dealRaheem Morris praises 49ers’ defensive bounce-back vs. ChargersPosition Preview: Defensive Leaders Return for UC DavisDeMar DeRozan Reportedly Agrees To Deal With Denver