Where Seahawks rank in NFC West post-free agency and pre-draft
By Lee Vowell
Second in the division: San Francisco 49ers
Additions: LB Oren Burks, defensive lineman Kerry Hyder, Jr. (former Seahawk), receiver Ray-Ray McCloud, safety George Odum, defensive lineman Hassan Ridgeway, CB Charvarius Ward
Departures: LG Laken Tomlinson (signed with Jets), defensive lineman DJ Jones (signed with Broncos), CB K’Waun Williams (signed with Broncos), RT Tom Compton (signed with Broncos), RB Raheem Mostert (signed with Dolphins), receiver Trent Sherfield (signed with Dolphins), receiver River Cracraft (signed with Dolphins), receiver Richie James, Jr. (signed with Giants), edge rusher Arden Key (signed with Jaguars)
Summary
The 49ers have lost quite a bit of talent, especially Tomlinson, but few cannot be replaced. The idea might be to have Hyder take DJ Jones’ snaps and Hyder was much better as a 49er in 2020 than he was with the Seahawks in 2021. It’s odd how many players left San Francisco to sign with the Dolphins and Broncos, though (six total).
But the biggest question about the 49ers in 2022 is how second-year quarterback Trey Lance does when taking over QB duties full-time. Lance started two games in 2021 and was bad in one (Week 5 versus the Cardinals) and good in the other (though it was the Texans in Week 17 he was playing against).
No matter, however, likely Kyle Shanahan will create a smart running attack and have a great pass rush on defense and the 49ers will improve as the season goes on.