The line’s uneven performance carried into the postseason, with Purdy under heavy pressure in the Divisional Round. San Francisco finished the 2025 season with a 67.0 team pass-blocking grade, ranking 18th in the NFL—a figure that became a clear liability against elite defenses when it mattered most.
Steve Young did not mince words on KNBR, urging the 49ers to treat the offensive line as a top priority. He said the team must return to the 2019 standard, where the O-line was among the league’s best, and warned against relying on Trent Williams to be the sole anchor of the unit.
The former quarterback also challenged head coach Kyle Shanahan’s philosophy, which historically deprioritized the line in favor of scheme and skill-position depth. Although that approach contributed to two Super Bowl runs, Young suggested it’s time for a structural shift, prioritizing the O-line in the draft, free agency, and contract extensions.
Trent Williams is aging, turning 38 before next season, and while he remains elite, the 49ers cannot hinge their fortunes on a single blocker. Williams has indicated plans to play on, but the team lacks a clear long-term successor, leaving the line exposed if his play declines or availability wavers.
Protecting Purdy must become the organization’s focal point. With Purdy on a lucrative five-year deal, providing him reliable protection is essential to maximizing his potential and extending San Francisco’s championship window. The 49ers now face a crossroads: adjust the philosophy and invest in the offensive line, or risk stagnation in a rapidly competitive conference.
