The San Francisco 49ers could be in for some major roster changes in 2015 with Jim Tomsula taking over as head coach with Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree and Mike Iupati all hitting free agency for Colin Kaepernick and the team may also consider releasing Vernon Davis and Ahmad Brooks as salary cap casualties.
The 49ers are coming off of an 8-8 season and they now have Tomsula as head coach after parting ways with Jim Harbaugh. The Niners made the playoffs in three of four seasons under Harbaugh and now Tomsula has some big shoes to fill after being promoted from defensive line coach. The 49ers won 44 games in four seasons under Harbaugh and now they have to find a way to get back into the playoffs in a division that has the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals.
The Niners could be in for some big changes next year on top of the new head coach, offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator, as the team hjas some big names hitting the market. Frank Gore is a free agent along with Michael Crabtree and Mike Iupati and that means it's likely at least one of those names will be gone next year. Gore is likely out since he is 31 years old, while Crabtree could sign elsewhere after a disappointing season. Iupati could get priced out as well, but losing him hurts after the way the offensive line performed last season.
The Niners have Carlos Hyde and that is one reason why Gore likely will be out of a job. The Niners liked how Hyde performed last season in limited action and now he could be in line to start. According to CSN Bay Area, the Washington Redskins are expected to be a prime target for Gore on the market, as former Niners GM Scot McCloughan just took over there. Adding to that, the Redskins need a solid backup for Alfred Morris and Gore could fit in, as he has a similar style and could be looking at a reduced role with his next contract.
Gore had another strong season for the Niners, but that may not be enough for him to keep his job. Gore rushed for over 1100 yards again last season and that came after three straight years with at least 1120 yards following his 2010 campaign when he had 853 yards. Gore has been productive despite getting to the wrong side of 30 and he could have a strong career if he moves on from the Niners. Hyde had 83 rushes last season for 333 yards along with four touchdowns and he could continue developing into a solid player for the Niners, pushing Gore out a bit.
This past season Colin Kaepernick regressed and now it will be up to Tomsula to get him back on track. The team could use some more playmakers on offense and they could look at the draft for options over the free agent market. Players like Wes Welker, Eddie Royal or Cecil Shorts could be cheaper options, while Crabtree could return if he doesn't ask for too much in free agency.
