Cunningham: Are the San Francisco 49ers set up well for 2026?

The San Francisco 49ers had an unfortunate ending to their season, falling 41-6 to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Divisional Round last weekend, but are they still in a good position to bounce back next season?

KCRA 3’s Sean Cunningham, who was in Seattle last Saturday, joined The Matt & Kayla Show to discuss Seattle’s atmosphere, the optimism San Francisco expressed following the loss, bouncing back from their injury-riddled season, and more.

“People like Kyle Juszczyk and Ricky Pearsall, Kendrick Bourne, especially from the offensive standpoint, (were) talking about how they just kept stepping on landmines,” Cunningham said. “They were self inflicted wounds.”

It’s the second straight game against the Seahawks in which Brock Purdy failed to get his side into the end zone. The absence of one of their leaders, George Kittle, played a factor, but they had embraced the ‘next-man-up’ mentality all season long. But, giving up seven points on the opening kickoff led to them trailing for the entire match.

Cunningham shared that most of the Niners postgame, while disappointed in the loss, reflected fondly on the season they had up to that point.

“This 49ers team was just kind of like, ‘Yeah, we lost. I mean, we had been playing with house money,'” he shared. “Trent Williams was talking about, we got dudes coming off the street to play with us. So I think there’s an acceptance there.”

Now, they’ll have time for Fred Warner and Nick Bosa to fully recover from their injuries. Tight end George Kittle’s postseason Achilles injury will likely have him sidelined for the beginning of next season. He’s hoping it could be even sooner.

Decisions are to be made with the top wide receivers, Jauan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk. Hopefully, Ricky Pearsall can find some semblance of health as well, but most of their core pieces are set to return for 2026.

“I think people should be optimistic,” Cunningham said on The Matt & Kayla Show. “I think you might see a little bit different receiving core. I think they obviously have to make some changes to the offensive line. Short of that, I think there’s a lot to be optimistic about.”

2026 will once again feature them amid one of the toughest divisions in the NFL as two of their counterpart, Seattle and the Los Angeles Rams, battle for the NFC Championship.

More San Francisco 49ers coverage on Sactown Sports

The San Francisco 49ers have some work to do this offseason, but does Jauan Jennings fit into those plans?

During Tuesday morning’s edition of The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross, The Athletic’s Matt Barrows joined the show to share his thoughts on the 49ers’ season-ending playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks and contemplate what San Francisco will look to accomplish this offseason.

On the topic of which 49ers players could be on the move this offseason, Barrows said the future of wide receiver Jauan Jennings will be a top storyline to keep an eye.

Listen to The Matt & Kayla Show from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

Click here for full episodes of The Carmichael Dave Show with Jason Ross.

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Offseason Schedule

• Sunday, February 8 – Super Bowl LX
• Tuesday, February 17 – Tuesday, March 3 – Franchise/Transition Tag window
• Monday, February 23 – Monday, March 2 – NFL Scouting Combine (Indianapolis)
• Monday, March 9 – Wednesday, March 11 – Free agent negotiation period
• Wednesday, March 11 – 2026 League Year begins & free agency opens
• Sunday, March 29 – Wednesday, April 1 – NFL Annual League Meeting
• Thursday, April 23 – Saturday, April 25 – 2026 NFL Draft

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