4 tasks for the 49ers to accomplish this offseason

After losing Super Bowl LIV to the Kansas City Chiefs, the San Francisco 49ers season must be put in proper perspective. While the campaign ended on a sour note, the season provided illumination on where the team should be headed in the near future.

However, general manager John Lynch has work ahead of him. Here are four things the 49ers should be working hard towards doing over the next three months…

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4. Replace Arik Armstead

Armstead is hitting free agency after notching 10 sacks on the interior of San Francisco’s defensive line. While it would be fantastic to bring him back, the 49ers have only $14 million in cap space and need to service other needs as well. Armstead is going to make significant money on the open market, a number likely too rich for Lynch and the Niners. San Francisco might need to go hunting for a replacement in free agency’s second tier or in the draft.

3. Cut Tevin Coleman

As mentioned above, the San Francisco 49ers only have $14 million of projected cap space to work with this offseason. If San Francisco wants any real chance of retaining Armstead, safety Jimmie Ward or receiver Emmanuel Sanders, it would be smart to move on from Coleman. A good player, Coleman is redundant with Raheem Mostert and Matt Brieda already on the roster. Releasing the veteran would save $4.9 million, providing a valuable cash influx.

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2. Find another weapon for Garoppolo

It’s clear the 49ers are a terrific team, but they need more on the outside. George Kittle is an All-Pro tight end but should Sanders leave, it’s second-year man Deebo Samuel and nobody else on the perimeter. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo needs circumstances to be perfect for him to succeed, and so Lynch ought to be thinking about taking a receiver in this loaded rookie crop. Maybe even in the first round. If the 49ers can hit big in this pursuit, it would elevate the offense to a new level.

1. Look to add a corner

While Richard Sherman is still playing at an elite level, he’s entering the final year of his deal. He’s also 31 years old. Additionally, K’Wuan Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon are also hitting free agency after this season. In short, San Francisco has to figure out what the secondary looks like moving into the next decade in a long-term way. Drafting a corner in the first two days could help to bring that picture into focus.