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The San Francisco 49ers season didn't end with a Super Bowl win, but the franchise should still be proud of securing a berth to the NFC Championship game for the second time in the last three years. The 49ers are very close to a championship, though there are still some things standing in the way of the storied organization and a Super Bowl title. Questions loom about the 49ers' 2023 quarterback strategy. San Francisco's secondary could do with an infusion of new talent. The running back position needs fortifying as well. All of these items could, and probably should be, on the 49ers' offseason checklist. That said, here are three major fixes the 49ers must make this offseason to win Super Bowl 57 in 2023.
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3 Major Fixes The 49ers Must Make To Win Super Bowl 57 In 2023
3. Make the switch to Trey Lance, but find a quality backup quarterback
The writing is on the wall when it comes to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo's time in San Francisco. It seems likely that the 49ers' offseason to-do list will include a Garoppolo trade. That means the keys to the franchise will be handed to Trey Lance, which is a wise move, given the sacrifices San Francisco made to acquire him. However, the 49ers need to find a quality backup quarterback to not only spell Lance, whose mobility could make him a bit of an injury risk in 2023, but to also provide a solid veteran presence behind him. A backup quarterback doesn't instantly make fans think of a Super Bowl 57 win, but it could be an important part of the quest towards a title.
2. Find a solid secondary running back to Elijah Mitchell
The 49ers struck gold this past offseason with their late-round drafting of running back Elijah Mitchell. Mitchell is undoubtedly a starting running back in the NFL, though his inability to stay healthy is a problem that the 49ers need to address swiftly ahead of the 2023 season. The rookie appeared in just 11 games, which isn't nearly enough for a player of his caliber. Fellow halfbacks Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. are similarly talented but have not been able to stay on the field. San Francisco needs to look outside the franchise for a dependable second running back who can help keep Elijah Mitchell fresh for a potential run to Super Bowl 57 in 2023.
1. Pay up for a star cornerback
The 49ers defense was a solid unit overall, bolstered a by strong pass rush and capable run defense. However, the weakest link of the defense is undoubtedly the secondary. Emmanuel Mosley is a solid contributor, as is K'Waun Williams, though the latter is a free agent. The 49ers could do with an elite-level talent at the cornerback position- and fortunately for them, there are plenty of options out there. San Francisco's defense was elite when it had someone like Richard Sherman patrolling the secondary back in 2019. The 49ers shouldn't be afraid to pay up for a talented cornerback this offseason in their quest towards Super Bowl 57.
