The San Francisco 49ers have no shortage of skeptics heading into the 2025 season, but former NFL wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson isn't buying into the doubt. While some critics claim the team's Super Bowl window has slammed shut, Johnson believes it remains wide open.
The 49ers underwent a significant roster overhaul this offseason following a disappointing 6-11 campaign. Key contributors such as linebacker Dre Greenlaw, cornerback Charvarius Ward, safety Talanoa Hufanga, and wide receiver Deebo Samuel are gone, along with several defensive linemen.
San Francisco restocked its roster through the draft, bringing in 11 rookies the team hopes can make immediate impacts. Combined with improved injury luck, Johnson sees a clear path for the 49ers to bounce back.
During a segment on FS1's Speak, Johnson pointed to Samuel, who was traded to the Washington Commanders, as the most notable departure, but acknowledged his production had dipped.
"You still got [RB] Christian McCaffery," Johnson said, "you still got [WR Brandon] Aiyuk, you still got [LB] Fred Warner, you still got [QB] Brock Purdy and [TE George] Kittle and [OL] Trent Williams. So, you still got [DE Nick] Bosa and company. They still there.
"And I love when people [talk about] the losses for the 49ers. The real loss is Deebo Samuel, because when you look at the other players, like [RB] Elijah Mitchell and [OL] Jaylon Moore and [OL] Aaron Banks, they're guys, but they're not the frontline guys."
He continued, "Hufanga was a frontline guy, but often injured—a lot. Greenlaw was a frontline guy, but often injured. They had planned on moving on from them."
Johnson also doesn't see the defensive line changes as a major setback, arguing that players like Leonard Floyd are replaceable. He believes the team addressed those needs through the draft and the trade for Bryce Huff.
"So, they didn't lose the type of pieces that we think," Johnson added. "They lost some numbers, but they replaced those numbers in free agency and through the draft. I don't think they're going to fall off at all. I think the culture is still there and their window for the Super Bowl is still wide open."
H/t to Nick Avila of NBC Sports Bay Area for the find.