San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is preparing to undertake significant roster changes ahead of the 2025 NFL preseason, aiming to strengthen the Brock Purdy offense fix amid injury setbacks. With joint practices starting August 7 and the preseason approaching, Shanahan is proactively addressing personnel challenges to improve offensive performance and bolster the team’s competitive edge.
Known for his strategic acumen, Shanahan has transformed the 49ers into NFC contenders with four championship appearances and two Super Bowl runs since becoming head coach. However, his overall record of 70-62 reflects an inconsistency that he is determined to rectify this season. Instead of relying solely on past successes, he is actively making roster moves to provide Brock Purdy with better support.
Recent Player Evaluations Signal a Shift in Team Depth and Talent
In a quiet but purposeful move, the 49ers evaluated six players last week, including three offensive tackles and three cornerbacks, signaling a clear intent to reshape the team before facing the Denver Broncos. This follows ongoing concerns about depth and injury fragility, particularly along the offensive line and defensive secondary.
Among those brought in, cornerback Zy Alexander is one to watch. A former Seattle Seahawks undrafted free agent, Alexander did not secure a lasting position in Seattle but offers promising length and athleticism. Veteran cornerback Fabian Moreau, who has appeared in over 100 NFL games across five teams since 2017, also joins the mix. Although Moreau’s future is uncertain due to age, his versatility and experience could stabilize a thin position group.
On the offensive line, the 49ers added Isaiah Prince and David Sharpe to increase tackle depth. Prince impressed in limited duty last season with the Tennessee Titans and UFL experience, while Sharpe brings starting experience despite bouncing between teams. D’Ante Smith, a former Bengals draft pick sidelined recently by a patellar tendon injury, also serves as a low-risk option if he returns to health.
Challenges Persist in the Receiver Group Essential for Purdy’s Success
While defensive tweaks are underway, the 49ers’ receiver room presents a significant challenge for Brock Purdy’s offense fix. Injuries have decimated key contributors: Brandon Aiyuk is in recovery from ACL and MCL tears, Jauan Jennings and Jacob Cowing are dealing with leg injuries, and Ricky Pearsall faces persistent minor setbacks. As a result, the team relies on a patchwork of lesser-known players and one notable veteran addition.
Veteran wide receiver Demarcus Robinson emerges as a potential stabilizing force. The 30-year-old journeyman quietly achieved a productive 2024 season with the Los Angeles Rams, recording 505 yards and seven touchdowns as a complementary receiver. His familiarity with an offense similar to Shanahan’s system offers a rare chance to contribute immediately, especially with an uncertain timeline for Aiyuk’s return.
Robinson is expected to fill the WR3 role behind Jennings and Pearsall, providing Purdy with a dependable target on critical third downs and in the red zone. However, his role-player background and a looming suspension related to a past DUI present hurdles the 49ers must navigate.
“If Robinson builds quick chemistry with Purdy, those third-down seam routes and red-zone fades might just keep the offense afloat until the cavalry arrives.” —Anonymous NFL Analyst
Despite the risks, Shanahan’s history of leveraging veteran receivers like Mohamed Sanu and Trent Taylor to elevate offensive efficiency suggests Robinson could become a vital cog during the early season.
Reinforcing Offensive Line and Defensive Backs: Strategic Importance
The offensive line’s health and depth are crucial for Brock Purdy’s ability to operate effectively under pressure. After injury issues in recent seasons, bolstering this group with players like Prince, Sharpe, and Smith could improve passing protection and run blocking. These moves reflect a long-term strategy to maintain offensive consistency despite the physical toll of a demanding schedule.
Similarly, the defensive backfield’s revitalization with additions such as Alexander and Moreau aims to address thinness in coverage and versatility. Fabian Moreau’s experience navigating various defensive schemes may serve as a mentoring presence for younger cornerbacks during a period of transition.
Implications and Outlook for the 49ers’ Upcoming Season
Kyle Shanahan’s willingness to adopt swift roster modifications ahead of the preseason underscores the urgency to stabilize Brock Purdy’s offense fix and the team’s overall competitiveness. These moves demonstrate a calculated balance of seasoned veterans and developmental talent to navigate ongoing injury challenges and personnel gaps.
The success of these efforts will play a critical role in the 49ers’ 2025 campaign, determining whether Shanahan’s strategic adjustments translate into sustained performance improvements. With significant pressure to end the cycle of inconsistent seasons, the forthcoming weeks will test the cohesion of new acquisitions and the resilience of Purdy’s offense.
As preseason games unfold, observers will closely monitor how these roster changes impact on-field execution and whether the 49ers can recapture their contender status with a fortified offense and defense.