2024 49ers Roster Projection

Training camp is right around the corner which means that it is time to look at the 2024 49ers roster, at least a projection of it. Some positions are pretty set and predictable while others need time to sort out. There are also ongoing contract negotiations that could change things. Here is a look at the 2024 49ers roster projection.

49ers Roster Projection: 

Note: This is for the 53-man roster, not the starters. Several variables could also change things, such as some players impressing more than expected at training camp. Hence why this is only a projection. A look at the players currently on the roster before it has to be narrowed down can be found here on the 49ers website.

Offense:

Quarterback:

Brock Purdy, Josh Dobbs, Brandon Allen

This could be the easiest position to predict. With Brock Purdy as the starter, Joshua Dobbs is likely to be the backup and Brandon Allen will return to be the third quarterback on the roster.

Wide Receiver:

Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, Ronnie Bell, Chris Conley, Trent Taylor

As of now, Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings are the safest players to say are returning in 2024. Brandon Aiyuk is under contract looking for an extension but is still set to be on the 2024 49ers roster. San Francisco usually keeps about six or seven wide receivers on the roster, depending on the health and depth of other positions.

Now, this group includes rookie receiver, Ricky Pearsall. The others are up for debate and could come down to the pre-season games. Ronnie Bell is heading into his second year and showed sparks, but also muffed a punt which held him back from returning punts. With Ray-Ray McCloud departuring in free agency, Bell may get another shot at returning punts. Chris Conley is a solid veteran to keep as depth, and he can be expected to return to the roster. That seventh spot is highly debatable. Right now it could go to Trent Taylor, who is making a reappearance to the 49ers. He would possibly compete with Bell to return punts. The seventh spot is likely to change based on preseason, or the team keeps just six and prioritizes depth in another position.

Running Back: 

Christian McCaffery, Elijah Mitchell, Jordan Mason, Isaac Guerendo, Kyle Juszcyk (FB)

Although Kyle Juszcyk is a fullback, he is being listed as a running back here on the projected 2024 49ers roster.

This is another position that is fairly easy to predict. Christian McCaffrey recently signed an extension with the 49ers and will return as to top running back. Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason will also be returning to the team this year. Mitchell has a history of injuries, but when healthy is a solid player. Mason is a player who is not seen often on the field but has the strength and speed to come in when needed, especially if something does happen to Mitchell. Guerendo is a newly drafted player who will likely compete with Mason to be active on game days.

Tight End:

George Kittle, Logan Thomas, Brayden Willis, Cameron Latu

George Kittle is the obvious starter of the tight ends, but after him, there are some questions. San Francisco has recently signed Logan Thomas, a veteran player. He could be a solid addition that the team does not have to rely on heavily but can be used considering the team lost Ross Dwelley and Charlie Woerner in free agency.

Brayden Willis did get some game time in 2023 as a rookie, but not much. At the least, he has had a year of practice with the 49ers. There are questions about Cameron Latu. Under the assumption that the team will keep four tight ends on the roster, then he will make it, but if they keep three, expect him to be a practice squad player. There is a chance he is better than expected, but the team, after drafting him in 2023, has not seen him on the field.

Offensive Line:

Trent Williams, Aaron Banks, Colton McKivitz, Jake Brendel, Jon Feliciano, Dominick Puni, Jaylon Moore

The Starters on the offensive line are likely the same as how the 2023 season ended. Trent Williams, Aaron Banks, Jake Brendel, Jon Feliciano, and Colton McKivitz are set to be the five starters. Jaylon Moore has been the go-to backup for the team, and will likely continue to be that. Spencer Burford, after blowing up the play in overtime during the Super Bowl is up for debate. He was supposed to be a starting left guard, but Feliciano eventually beat him for the spot., it can be expected that he will be the backup. The decision on if he makes the 53-man roster or the practice squad is still to be seen.

Then there is Dominick Puni. Puni is the 49ers second-round draft pick. The 49ers tend to not play their rookies on the offensive line, as was seen with Aaron Banks in his first year. There is still the chance he makes the 2024 49ers roster though. The hope is he develops into a starter and will be by 2025.

Defense:

Defensive Line:

Nick Bosa, Javon Hargrave, Kevin Givens, Robert Beal Jr., Austin Bryant, Maliek Collins, Kalia Davis, Leonard Floyd, Yetur Gross-Matos, T.Y. McGill

The main questions on the defensive line will be the depth pieces, similar to the wide receiver position. The players to expect to make the 2024 49ers roster are Nick Bosa, Javon Hargrave, Leonard Floyd, and Yetur Gross-Matos. That is two returning players and two new additions from free agency. The depth pieces to expect to return are Kevin Givens, Kalia Davis, and possibly T.Y. McGill. Robert Beal Jr. was drafted in 2023, and it will be interesting to see if he gets more playing time this year.

It felt as though Drake Jackson was set up to have a breakout season in 2023, but he got hurt very early on. He is up in the air based on how he recovers and could possibly start on the PUP list. That is why he is not on the list for now. Hopefully, he heals up and can compete for a spot as he has done well while on the field. Either Austin Bryant or Maliek Collins may be more likely to make the practice squad and be elevated for games, especially depending on the status of Jackson.

Linebacker:

Fred Warner, De’Vondre Campbell, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Jalen Graham, Dee Winters

Dre Greenlaw will more than likely start on the PUP list, which is why he is not on this list. Of course Fred Warner will be on the roster in 2024, and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles can definitely be expected to make the roster given he is a veteran on this team who has played special teams with them, and played snaps with the defense as well. De’Vondre Campbell recently signed with the 49ers in free agency and can be expected to help fill in for Greenlaw as he is expected to miss a couple of weeks. Then there is Jalen Graham who the 49ers drafted in 2023. He and Dee Winters have a chance to fight for a roster spot. Curtis Robinson will be returning as well but may be dropped to practice squad based on numbers.

Cornerback:

Deommodore Lenoir, Charvarius Ward, Ambry Thomas, Darrell Luter Jr., Renardo Green

It may be hard to believe, but the 49ers may actually have some cornerback depth this year. The core group from 2023 is returning in 2024. Deommodore Lenoir, Charvarius Ward, and Ambry Thomas will be back this year. Lenoir when moved to knickle played very well, and could possibly return there. Thomas has not been the best defender, but can still hold his own and compete for that starting spot, opposite of Ward.

Darrell Luter Jr. will be in his second year with the team, and could potentially make an impact this year. Samuel Wommack has not had much playing time and may end up being the player to drop to the practice squad if Renardo Green makes the roster.

Safety:

Talanoa Hufanga, Ji’Ayir Brown, Malik Mustafa, George Odum

There are four safeties that are expected to make the 2024 49ers roster. Talanoa Hufanga is recovering from an ACL tear, but should be healthy for the season. Hufanga is playing it safe and not giving it a concrete timetable, just focused on getting back on the field healthy. There is always a chance he misses week one, but he should hopefully be back by then.

Ji’Ayir Brown came in when Hufanga got hurt and played well for a rookie. In year two it will be exciting to see what he does on the field. George Odum is a returning veteran who has played mostly on special teams and is expected to make the roster as well. Malik Mustafa was drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. Although he may not be seen a lot this year, he should still make the 53-man roster, and likely take part in special teams. This is how Hufanga and Brown were both utilized as rookies.

Special Teams:

Kicker: Jake Moody Punter: Mitch Wishnowsky LS: Taybor Pepper

The special teams unit is the most predictable. Taybor Pepper, Mitch Wishnowsky, and Jake Moody will all be returning to the team for the 2024 season. Some fans are skeptical of Moody, but he was consistent throughout the season, just a couple of games that he did struggle in. In year two, with hopefully less nerves, Moody should become a reliable kicker for the team.