A wide receiver, a safety, and the center
Needless to say, the 49ers’ 2024 season was a disappointment. Impact injuries, personal tragedies, and on-field meltdowns contributed significantly to the team’s 6-11 record, but which players underperformed in 2024? Let’s look at the three biggest disappointments not named De’Vondre Campbell.
Deebo Samuel
There are no two ways about it: The former all-pro disappointed in 2024 following an offseason and training camp during which Samuel was in “the best shape of his life.” Yes, Samuel dealt with pneumonia, and the public will never know the extent of the impact on his health and play. However, following a social media outburst following a 49ers win over the Bears where Samuel complained about his usage, his performance against the Rams will be the game that sticks in everyone’s brains when remembering his season.
Nobody could have predicted that Jauan Jennings would finish with 26 more receptions than Samuel, but the allure of the Deebo backfield looks is all but gone as teams have completely keyed in on it. A bright spot is Samuel leading all pass catchers with 8.2 YAC/catch, but at times, it appeared Samuel wasn’t as explosive in years past.
Ji’Ayir Brown
The second-year safety from Penn State was a popular pick for “breakout player of the year” in 2024. Following a solid rookie campaign replacing Talanoa Hufanga, which included picking off Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl, Brown struggled in 2024 and fell down the depth chart when Hufanga returned. Malik Mustapha emerged as a starter, but Brown fell into a rotation when the former all-pro returned.
At times, Brown struggled with tackling angles. Other times, it was in coverage. In 2025, the 49ers will likely evaluate their safety position, and Brown will be involved, but depending on Hufanga’s departure could find himself at least third on the depth chart. The young man has the right mind state to bounce back, but have the 49ers seen enough to supplant the former Nittany Lion?
Jake Brendel
There are 32 starting centers in the NFL. Brendel finished 18th in the NFL with a pass-blocking grade of 55.1 on 656 pass-blocking snaps. With a rookie starting next to him and various injuries to Aaron Banks, his replacements, and Trent Williams and his replacements, Brendel was the weakest link on the 49ers offensive line.
Brendel allowed the seventh-most pressures by any center with 28 and allowed 22 hurries while committing ten penalties. Plain and simple, the 49ers need to upgrade the center position with a long-term solution and not another band-aid.
Who did we miss as an underperformer in 2024? Let us know in the comments!