This offseason, the San Francisco 49ers focused on maintaining their strong foundation, retaining key players such as wide receiver Jauan Jennings along with running back Elijah Mitchell. The team also kept its offensive line intact for the future by signing center Jake Brendel to a four-year deal.

After losing defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and safety Jimmie Ward, the team was in desperate need to look to free agency to improve defensively.

The 49ers hired Steve Wilks, who has 18 years of coaching experience at the professional level, from the Carolina Panthers to fill Ryans’ role as defensive coordinator.

To continue to bolster their defense, the 49ers signed defensive lineman Javon Hargrave. Hargrave ended the season 14th in sacks, totaling 11. Playing alongside Defensive Player of the Year and sack leader Nick Bosa will give him an opportunity to be even more successful.

With one of the best defensive units in the league and a solid offense, the biggest question mark going into the season is the quarterback situation.

Brock Purdy, the last pick in the 2022 draft, saw playing time as a result of Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo getting hurt, but got under center and took immediate control, going 7-0 in his first seven career starts. Purdy’s sole loss in his career as a starting quarterback came after his injury in the NFC championship game.

Lance was the third overall pick in 2021 and hasn’t had a consistent opportunity to show that he can be the franchise quarterback.

Purdy, who is still getting back into play after injury, is practicing every other day, which allows Lance and Sam Darnold to get some reps with the offense.

The 49ers are an experienced team with chemistry and certainly have the ability to beat NFC rivals. The only thing that held them back in the past is less-than-steady quarterback play in clutch moments — and Purdy is a chance for the 49ers to make a Super Bowl run.

The 49ers have flirted with a championship for quite some time, so the pressure is on to win a Super Bowl with a second-year quarterback. The red and gold have a chance to dominate what is now a weaker NFC and keep their championship window open for multiple years to come.