San Francisco 49ers Eye Future As Darnold Shines For Seahawks

The San Francisco 49ers are heading into a pivotal offseason, fresh off another deep playoff run and with their eyes firmly set on retooling for a championship push in 2026. But while much of the football world’s attention is fixed on the upcoming Super Bowl—where former 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold now leads the Seattle Seahawks—San Francisco’s front office is quietly plotting its next moves. With seven projected picks in the 2026 NFL Draft and ample salary cap space, the 49ers are poised to make significant changes that could shape the franchise for years to come.

Let’s start with the quarterback storyline that’s got both Niners and Seahawks fans buzzing. Sam Darnold, after a journeyman career with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers, found a new lease on life during his brief one-year stint in San Francisco. Darnold’s time with the 49ers, though short, was transformative. Legendary 49ers quarterback Steve Young didn’t mince words at the premiere of the new documentary, Rise of the 49ers, when asked about Darnold’s evolution. “Quarterbacks need tons of help to allow you to go show how great you can be. If you do not get that help, you are limited in how great you can be. And there are not 32 places in the league today that can give you that help. The skies parted when he came to San Francisco,” Young said on February 2, 2026.

Darnold’s improvement wasn’t just luck or circumstance—it was the product of learning under head coach Kyle Shanahan’s intricate offensive system and, crucially, from his teammate and mentor Brock Purdy. Darnold has been candid about how Purdy’s approach to quarterbacking—seeing himself as a “point guard” who distributes the ball rather than trying to do it all—was a revelation. It was a mindset shift that paid off in spades. Darnold, once considered a bust by many, has now rattled off 14 regular-season wins in each of the past two seasons. That’s no fluke, folks.

Of course, as Darnold prepares to take center stage in the Super Bowl for Seattle, don’t expect many 49ers faithful to be rooting for him. The rivalry runs deep, and the blue and green of the Seahawks is never a welcome sight in the Bay Area. Yet, as Young rightly points out, Darnold’s San Francisco experience was the catalyst for his mid-career renaissance. “The skies parted when he came to San Francisco,” Young emphasized, reminding everyone—especially Seahawks fans—that the Niners’ influence on Darnold’s resurgence can’t be ignored, even if gratitude from the Pacific Northwest is in short supply.

But as the Super Bowl spotlight shines on a former Niner, San Francisco’s front office is laser-focused on the future. The 2026 offseason presents a rare window of opportunity. With seven projected draft picks in April’s NFL Draft and the financial flexibility to make bold moves, the 49ers are in prime position to reload. The big question: Where should they focus their efforts?

One area of concern is the offensive line. Veteran left tackle Trent Williams, still playing at an elite level, will turn 38 this year. While Williams remains a cornerstone, the 49ers know that succession planning is essential. Similarly, tight end George Kittle, a fan favorite and one of the league’s premier playmakers, is coming off a major injury—a torn Achilles—and, despite signing a four-year extension last offseason, could be nearing the twilight of his career. These realities have led many analysts to speculate about the team’s draft strategy.

Enter Keyon Sadiq, the Oregon Ducks’ star tight end. According to NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein’s mock draft released on February 2, 2026, Sadiq is projected to land with the 49ers at the 27th pick in the first round. Zierlein is bullish on Sadiq’s fit in Kyle Shanahan’s offense, writing, “Sadiq has high-volume potential as a moveable piece/flex tight end—especially in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. And with the Achilles injury to George Kittle, this makes even more sense.”

Sadiq is described as a versatile, athletic tight end with “alluring potential as a volume target.” Zierlein’s scouting report is glowing: “His route tree will be full of branches. His athleticism and break quickness should allow him to uncover against man coverage on all three levels. He’s talented after the catch, with the ability to make things easier for play-callers and quarterbacks looking to move the sticks. He has the body control and hand strength to win contested catches but will occasionally allow balls to hit the ground on lower-difficulty plays. He’s adequate as a blocker, giving good effort in-line and locating and landing on linebackers as a move blocker.”

For a team that’s long sought a quality No. 2 tight end to pair with Kittle, Sadiq could be the answer—both as an immediate contributor and as a potential long-term replacement. Zierlein even compares Sadiq’s upside to that of Arizona Cardinals standout Trey McBride, which is high praise indeed. The 49ers’ offense thrives on versatility and unpredictability, and Sadiq’s skill set could provide quarterback Brock Purdy with another dynamic weapon in the passing game. With Purdy’s penchant for distributing the ball and making quick decisions, a player like Sadiq could flourish in San Francisco’s system.

But tight end isn’t the only position on the 49ers’ radar. The team still has needs at pass rush, defensive line, wide receiver, and in the secondary. With seven draft picks at their disposal, the Niners have the flexibility to address multiple areas of concern. There’s also the matter of cap space—ample enough this year to allow for strategic free-agent acquisitions or trades. The front office, led by general manager John Lynch, has a reputation for aggressive, forward-thinking moves. Don’t be surprised if the 49ers make a splash or two before draft day rolls around.

Meanwhile, the shadow of aging stars looms large. Williams and Kittle have anchored their respective units for years, but the clock is ticking. The 49ers’ willingness to look ahead—whether by drafting Sadiq or targeting young talent elsewhere—signals a franchise determined to avoid the pitfalls of stagnation. They’re not content to rest on past laurels. Instead, they’re embracing the challenge of continuous renewal, even as they remain in the thick of Super Bowl contention.

As the NFL world waits to see if Darnold can cap his remarkable turnaround with a championship in Seattle, the 49ers are busy laying the groundwork for their next act. With a savvy mix of veteran leadership, youthful promise, and a front office unafraid to make bold moves, San Francisco’s future looks as bright as ever. The draft, the offseason, and the ongoing chess match of team-building promise plenty of intrigue in the months ahead. Stay tuned—these Niners aren’t done making headlines just yet.