The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for an active and strategic offseason to enhance their roster and close the NFC gap. Defensive improvements are a top priority, with experts emphasizing the need for a top-ten or top-five defense, similar to NFC rivals like Seattle, which boasts the league's best defense. The team is also considering draft strategies, with mock drafts suggesting they will double down on offensive linemen, particularly targeting Utah tackle Caleb Lomu in the first round and Iowa center Logan Jones in the second, to address long-term needs at tackle and center positions. Meanwhile, veteran wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is expected to be traded or released, creating a vacancy at the position. NFL legend Jerry Rice has highlighted the importance of acquiring a 'burner'—a receiver capable of stretching the field and taking top off defenses—to make the offense less predictable. Although some fans and analysts advocate for a blockbuster trade for Vikings star Justin Jefferson, Rice suggests the team needs a receiver who can threaten defenses deep, complementing existing offensive weapons. Overall, the 49ers are focusing on bolstering their defense, drafting offensive linemen, and upgrading their wide receiver corps to remain competitive and potentially contend for another Super Bowl.