The San Francisco 49ers failed in their bid to return to the Super Bowl stage after losing to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game. Despite absorbing the tough defeat, the team still overachieved and exceeded the expectations set upon them for the 2021 season.

Currently, the 49ers are $4.47 million over the salary-cap space for the upcoming offseason. Not many changes are expected to happen in the next few months though general manager John Lynch will still try to form the most competitive team that he can put out on the field for 2022.

Hopefully, the moves that they will make will be enough to power the squad to another deep playoff run next season. With that said, let's take a look at four predictions for the 49ers in the 2022 NFL offseason.

49ers Offseason Predictions

4. The 49ers won't make much noise in free agency.

There is no denying that the upcoming free agency class is talent-laden, especially with the likes of Davante Adams, Chris Godwin, and Tyrann Mathieu, among others. All of those individuals are definitely capable of changing the trajectory of any team that they will go to next season.

However, the 49ers are expected to stand pat and not significantly pursue any of those notable free agents that are looking for a new home. This will help save cap space as they try to retain their key veterans that are set to enter free agency as well, especially with the likes of Laken Tomlinson, D.J. Jones, and Raheem Mostert.

3. San Francisco will target a cornerback with their first selection in the upcoming draft.

Evidently, the cornerback group has been a glaring hole for the 49ers all season long. Jason Verrett suffered a torn ACL in Week 1 of their campaign while Emmanuel Moseley missed significant time due to an ankle injury as well.

They currently have a couple of young CBs in Ambry Thomas and Deommodore Lenoir though they have yet to prove that they can emerge as the top gun in the position. Verrett, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent, won't likely return to the team, thus leaving the cornerback room even more shorthanded.

With that said, the 49ers can scour for a young prospect who can be effective and can be signed on a cheap contract for the next few years. As of the moment, San Francisco is expected to have their first selection in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Whether they plan to trade up or not, many can expect them to nab a cornerback early on.

2. They will bring in a veteran QB to mentor Trey Lance next season.

It seems like QB1 Jimmy Garoppolo is already heading to the exit signs, especially after a disappointing performance in the NFC Championship game against the Rams. His departure will then instate Trey Lance as a potential full-time starter for the team moving forward.

Afterward, it would be a logical move for the 49ers to bring in a veteran playmaker who can serve as a mentor and a backup to the incoming sophomore in 2022. A name that could be targeted is Tyrod Taylor who has played in Buffalo and Los Angeles under newly-hired assistant head coach Anthony Lynn.

Their familiarity with each other will definitely be a huge factor in their bid to land the veteran's services for next season. Another viable option for them would be Nick Mullens who previously played for the Niners from 2017 to 2020 and just concluded a one-year stint with the Cleveland Browns.

In the end, regardless of the player, the team would need an experienced gunslinger who can take Lance under his wing and at the same time, not be a threat to the starting quarterback position.

1. Re-signing Laken Tomlinson will be at the top of their priority list.

The 49ers have a handful of key players who are set to enter free agency though none would be more important than guard Laken Tomlinson. He has already proved his durability as he played all 17 games for San Francisco in 2021. The Duke product has also been effective in providing solid pass protection ever since he arrived on the team in 2017.

A staple of the team's offensive line, Tomlinson has played a major role in the level of success that the 49ers have attained over the last few years. Re-signing him to a new contract is definitely much-needed, especially now that they are set to have a new starter under center in Trey Lance.

Additionally, the 49ers have a dilemma at the guard positions as RG Daniel Brunskill has been underwhelming in 2021. Rookie Aaron Banks also had rare appearances on the field and his lack of experience wouldn't allow him to be anything close to a replacement for Tomlinson.

At this point, the 49ers just simply can't afford to lose one of its best linemen to free agency and much worse, get nothing in return.