The San Francisco 49ers knew entering the offseason it was a year of change. Knowing that didn't make losing key veterans any easier.
"Even though we kind of warned our fans, I think that's a tough pill to swallow, even if you hear it's happening," Lynch told NBC Sports Bay Area on Monday's 49ers Talk podcast. "I think it spoke to how good our roster was. We had a lot of talent on it, and we had acquired a lot of talent and accrued a lot of talent."
The Niners traded Deebo Samuel to Washington and watched guard Aaron Banks, cornerback Charvarius Ward, safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw leave in free agency. The losses on defense particularly left gaping holes.
"We had to get younger and we had to get a little cheaper because we had some plans on what we wanted to do with our core and, obviously, our quarterback," Lynch said. "And there were some twists and turns, but we executed a plan that we needed to, and we're really excited with the way it all came together."
Losing veterans did free up money to sign quarterback Brock Purdy, linebacker Fred Warner and tight end George Kittle to big-money contract extensions. However, the wait between players leaving and adding rookies to the mix and inking extensions was unsettling, even for those in the building, who were unsure exactly how the planned transition would play out.
"I'd say it's a little uneasy," Lynch said. "And you have to understand that you're executing a plan. And I think when you have that, when you have a process to it, it makes it easier. But there is the unknown."
San Francisco added 11 players in the draft, several of whom will be asked to make big contributions right off the bat, including first- and second-round defensive linemen Mykel Williams and Alfred Collins.
The Niners' reset underscores their trust in the front office and coaching staff to identify and develop young players. With a strong base and last-place schedule, the Niners can swiftly turn things around from last year's collapse. But they need those rookies to shine -- and that gamble is part of the unknown heading into the 2025 season.
