When Kyle Shanahan came to the 49ers, he had a huge task. The team failed to even enter the playoffs. Over the time, he added players like RB Christian McCaffrey and WRs Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Ricky Pearsall. With his perseverance, the 49ers reached the Super Bowl in 2019. They lost, but the team was filled with a new enthusiasm. They made the cut for three consecutive seasons (2021, 2022, and 2023), but in 2024, their offense crumbled.

Brock Purdy, a system quarterback, failed to inspire his locker room to go for greatness. In the end, they lost 11 games, failing to qualify for the postseason. Amid this crisis, their legend, Steve Young, came up with words of caution.

 He won 3 Super Bowls for the franchise. They also showed him respect by retiring jersey no. 8 in 2005, the same year he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. So, on March 3, he gave his two cents to Kyle Shanahan on The Rich Eisen Show, “They have got to have them a top five offensive line. They’ve got to develop it now.” But when the host pressed him for more details, he revealed the game plan.

According to the legend, the O-line players have to play above their capability. A united effort is required. Young added, “Ricky Pearsall has got to become a top 10 receiver. Johan Jennings is in the top 10. These guys have to be huge threats, and George (Kittle) has to stay healthy, and then you got to have Christian McCaffrey 1,000% ready to play and be the MVP of the league. That’s the storyline of how you get back.” That’s a very long process.

This year, they struggled in McCaffrey’s absence. The RB couldn’t even find a doctor in the States and had to visit Germany to treat his calf and Achilles’ injury. In the week 13 game against the Bills, he suffered a PCL injury in his right knee. His season was finished. He wasn’t the only one going through tragedy.

Rickey Pearsall survived a bullet to the chest in a robbery attempt. While he contributed in 4 games, Kyle Shanahan wanted to give his player enough rest to not put his life in danger. Overall, the 49ers were 4th in the league with 6,397 offensive yards. But it didn’t transform into victories.

However, the HC is in talks with GM John Lynch to find the right-fit players. They started the shuffle by trading their WR to the Commanders.

Steve Young criticizes Kyle Shanahan over Deebo Samuel trade talks

While talking about the players, the Niners legend didn’t hold back his thoughts on the recent trade. He wasn’t very satisfied with Samuel’s trade and said, “Deebo’s a talent. Don’t kid yourself. He’s on the other side of it. But he’s one of us. This one stings.” Everyone agrees on that part. But the scenarios changed after the season.

First of all, the receiver requested Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch to trade him. They had already seen the De’Vondre Campbell situation. The linebacker refused to play when they moved him into reserve to make space for Dre Greenlaw. So, there was no point in spoiling the locker room atmosphere. They made a wise move by contacting Adam Peters, the Commanders’ GM, who drafted the receiver in 2019.

On the receiver’s part, he was also happy playing with the NFC Championship team. It also gave him an edge to show his talent. Plus, the 49ers also get to carry on with the rebuild. They can do a thorough analysis of the free agency while waiting for the draft.