The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2026 offseason with one of the best rosters built for another championship run.
But analysts are quick to point out one glaring vulnerability that could sabotage their aspirations. To return to standard-bearing dominance, San Francisco must first solve its self-inflicted defensive crisis up front, says ESPN’s Nick Wagoner.
Until proved otherwise: the pass rush and, by extension, the defense. In 2025, San Francisco finished last in the league in sacks (20), 31st in pressures (157) and 29th in pass rush win rate (29.2%). … The pass rush is the key to unlocking it all, and if that group can take a step in the right direction, the 49ers should be much better defensively in 2026.
While those numbers are jarring for a franchise built on defensive line supremacy, context offers an immediate glimmer of hope. The Niners should be much improved simply by getting defensive ends Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams back from torn ACLs. Bosa projects to return at the beginning of training camp or soon after. Williams might be a bit further behind, but also has a chance to get back early in the season.
Just as important, the Niners added defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa via a trade with the Dallas Cowboys this offseason and drafted rookie Romello Height. Odighizuwa should be the best interior pass rusher the team has had since Arik Armstead’s departure, bringing with him a 10% pass rush win rate that ranked ninth among defensive tackles in 2025 as well as 17.5 career sacks and 81 career quarterback hits. Height had 10 sacks at Texas Tech this past year.
It all falls on new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris to turn this unit around in 2026. He has the tools to roll out, but will need to successfully integrate this healthy, retooled unit for San Francisco to see a better pass rusher this year.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Analyst names the 49ers’ biggest Achilles heel for 2026 season
Reporting by Oliver G., Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Oliver G., Niners Wire | USA TODAY Network
