One analyst believes 49ers had great offseason they desperately needed

The San Francisco 49ers badly needed a strong offseason to return to Super Bowl contention. ESPN analyst Ben Solak believes they might have gotten exactly what they needed. Solak placed the 49ers No.

2 in his ranking of the NFL's most improved rosters over the offseason, highlighted by the signing of wide receiver Mike Evans and the trade for defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa. The Evans signing in particular was the thing Solak wrote he loved the most: This was one of the most team-friendly signings in this free agency period. With only $14 million guaranteed at signing and most of his 2027 and 2028 money tied into option bonuses, the 49ers are committed to Evans for only one season, which would be important should he look completely unplayable in his age-33 season.

Far more likely, Evans should fill a valuable role of vertical specialist, third-down stick mover and red zone matchup nightmare. Remember the short-yardage issues that the Niners endured against the Seahawks' stifling run defense? Evans is the answer to that.

If he's even 75% of his prime self, the 49ers got an enormous deal on a ring-chasing veteran leader. Solak also added there was nothing he didn't love. He highlighted the Odighizuwa trade, as well as the signings of linebacker Dre Greenlaw and cornerback Nate Hobbs.