The San Francisco 49ers' offseason hasn't exactly been the blockbuster additions fans were hoping for. Yes, extensions for Brock Purdy, Fred Warner, and George Kittle have provided future roster stability. However, there hasn't been one move fans can point to as the reason they are going to turn the page on last year's struggles. It unquestionably doesn't help matters that the Los Angeles Rams are running things back with Matthew Stafford, having added star receiver Davante Adams. The veteran was expected to be among potential San Francisco offseason targets.
It seems the 49ers were saving all of the team's cap space to extend its current roster, opting to offer Adams far below market value. There seemed to be this false sense of belief that the 49ers were still considered among the league's Super Bowl contenders. As if the 2024 season was an outlier that should be overlooked, with star free agents still signing for a discount. This obviously isn't the case, and Adams rejected the underwhelming offer, opting to join San Francisco's division rival.
It's Easy to Imagine What Could Have Been With Rams WR Davante Adams
Puka Nacua is unfortunately among the league's best receivers and a consistent thorn in San Francisco's side. To see such a talented player being coached up by Adams only furthers the frustration on a clear free agent miss. Davante Adams is not only an elite contributor on the field but also an experienced voice that can offer needed leadership to any young position group.
It should be Ricky Pearsall being coached up by Adams, not San Francisco's hated rival. This serves as an illustration of what a mistake it was for the 49ers and the harsh reality that the team's window could be closed. Two seasons ago, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Adams sign a discount deal with the 49ers in an attempt to be the final piece in a Super Bowl push.
The fact that the franchise lowballed the receiver and was never seriously considered speaks to where they have fallen. For Adams, it is a chance to play with the accomplished Stafford and join the roster that was the closest of any team in stopping the Philadelphia Eagles' dominating Super Bowl run.
With this in mind, there is no way around the fact that this is a fumbled opportunity. One that the 49ers are going to continue to regret when tasked with slowing down Adams and Nacua twice in the 2025 season.