Why the 49ers are built to bounce back in 2026

The San Francisco 49ers are coming off a disappointing 2025 campaign, but optimism is beginning to build as training camp gets underway.

According to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, the biggest reason for confidence is simple: a healthier roster should solve many of the issues that derailed last season.

Joining Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys, Tafur pointed to the return of star edge rusher Nick Bosa as a massive boost for a defense that struggled to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks.

“They still certainly need one more guy on that pass rush to help replace Bryce Huff,” Tafur said. “But clearly, better pass rush day one than you had last year when everybody was hurt.”

A stronger pass rush would also ease the burden on a secondary that endured its share of struggles throughout the season.

Defensive end Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Health, however, remains the biggest question surrounding San Francisco. While Tafur acknowledged the roster is talented enough to compete with anyone, he admitted the 49ers are relying on several veteran players staying on the field.

“They’re a little old. I’m not going to lie to you,” Tafur said. “You’re kind of banking on them not being hurt again, which gets tougher the older you get.”

One veteran addition he expects to pay off is wide receiver Mike Evans. Tafur believes the future Hall of Famer fits Kyle Shanahan’s offense perfectly, especially as a big-bodied target in key situations.

“He’s probably a Hall of Famer with a couple more good years,” Tafur said. “He’s a third-down, red-zone monster.”

On offense, Tafur believes reviving the running game will be just as important as improving the defense. He expects a healthier offensive line to make a significant difference while the coaching staff looks to reduce Christian McCaffrey’s workload.

“They want to get Jordan James more involved and also the rookie Caleb Black,” Tafur explained. “They’re trying to give Christian some rest.”

TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 29: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Tafur also agreed that receiver blocking played a larger role in the rushing struggles than many fans realized.

“It’s a big part of the offense now,” he said, adding that San Francisco hopes improved execution and a renewed emphasis on fundamentals will get the scheme “hitting on all cylinders.”

As for Brandon Aiyuk, Tafur doesn’t believe there’s much movement to report. He suggested the receiver has hurt his own market with recent social media activity and still needs to clear hurdles before another opportunity materializes.

Despite lingering questions surrounding age, injuries and roster depth, Tafur believes there’s plenty of reason for optimism.

If the 49ers stay healthy and rediscover their identity on both lines of scrimmage, San Francisco should once again be firmly in the NFC playoff conversation.

Be sure to check out the full interview with Vic Tafur on the Sactown Sports YouTube page or the Sactown Sports app.

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

More NFL content from Sactown Sports

• 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan to be limited in camp after serious car crash
• 49ers Training Camp: Health, Brock Purdy & the Aging Core Take Center Stage
• 49ers Announce 2026 Open Training Camp Dates
• ESPN insider on QB Brock Purdy’s 2026 outlook & Brandon Aiyuk’s future

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

• Late July 2026 – NFL Training Camps open
• 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

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