The 49ers set out to retain as much of their 2019 roster as possible heading into the 2020 season. That led to a relatively slow free agency period where a majority of their moves have been re-signing key depth players and a couple of defensive starters.
There are a few moves that’ll shake up what their starting lineup looks like going into the 2020 season. They traded away defensive tackle DeForest Buckner for a first-round pick, released starting right guard Mike Person, and let wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders exit to the Saints in free agency.
With free agency still open and the NFL draft still a month away, we went through the 49ers roster and made a way-too-early starting lineup projection. San Francisco ran 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end, three wide receivers) and 21 personnel (two running backs, one tight end, two wide receivers) about the same amount last year, so the lineup reflects both of those formations.
Quarterback
Jimmy Garoppolo
This is the easiest call on the list. Even with talks of a 49ers possible flirtation with Tom Brady, it’s hard to imagine they ever gave serious consideration to parting ways with the signal caller who took them to the Super Bowl in his first full season as a starter. With a full healthy offseason, Garoppolo should come back better next year.