The San Francisco 49ers entered the 2026 offseason facing familiar questions: How do you replace key contributors while keeping a championship window open? This year, the answer might surprise you—because the biggest losses aren't who you'd expect.

Let's start with the coaching staff. Last season, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was widely considered the team's most impactful addition—until injuries gutted the roster and left him with few weapons. Now Saleh is back as a head coach elsewhere. In his place, the 49ers brought in Raheem Morris, another former head coach who has consistently excelled as a defensive coordinator. It's a swap that could pay dividends, especially if the defense stays healthier in 2026.

But the 49ers also lost offensive line coach Brian Fleury to the Seattle Seahawks, where he'll call plays. Fleury quietly modernized San Francisco's running game last season, introducing new wrinkles that didn't always show up on the stat sheet but were visible to sharp-eyed fans. His departure stings more than most realize.

Unlike last year's mass exodus, the player departures are surprisingly thin. The 49ers said goodbye to wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (a midseason pickup), defensive lineman Jordan Elliott, guard Spencer Burford, and receiver Skyy Moore (acquired via trade when injuries hit). Of that group, only Elliott was expected to be a significant contributor entering the season. Burford was the third option at left guard. Bourne and Moore were depth pieces.

So who's actually missing? The roster is largely intact, with key players returning from injury. Free agent additions like wide receiver Mike Evans and defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (acquired via trade) could be game-changers. But that raises the question: Will the 49ers miss anyone who's truly gone?

The options are limited. Brandon Aiyuk didn't play last season due to injury. Jauan Jennings' replacement was the team's first draft pick—a player who remains unsigned. Neither of the departing free agents signed a deal worth more than $5 million annually. That could change if Jennings or Aiyuk land new contracts, but for now, the losses feel manageable.

If forced to choose, the biggest loss comes down to Saleh or Jennings. I'll go with Jennings. While rookie De'Zhaun Stribling should eventually surpass him on the field, replacing Jennings' tenacity, energy, and locker room presence won't be easy. It's why the 49ers prioritized adding that kind of toughness in the draft. Morris, meanwhile, should benefit from a healthier defense—and that might make Saleh's departure feel less painful than it seems.