They Flops: These 5 Players Undoubtedly Hurt the 49ers More Than Helped in 2024

They Flops: These 5 Players Undoubtedly Hurt the 49ers More Than Helped in 2024

The 2024 NFL season was filled with highs and lows for the San Francisco 49ers, but not every player contributed positively to the team’s efforts. Whether due to underperformance, injuries, or failed expectations, some players ended up being more of a liability than an asset. Here are five players who hurt the 49ers more than they helped in 2024.

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1. Tyrion Davis-Price (RB)

What Went Wrong:

Drafted in 2022 with hopes of being a key piece in the backfield, Davis-Price failed to establish himself once again in 2024. Despite opportunities in the rotation, he struggled to make an impact, averaging less than 3.5 yards per carry and contributing minimally in the passing game.

How It Hurt the Team:

His lack of production forced the 49ers to rely more heavily on Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell, increasing the risk of overuse injuries for their star backs.

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2. Drake Jackson (DE)

What Went Wrong:

The 2022 second-round pick entered the 2024 season with high expectations after showing flashes in his rookie campaign. Unfortunately, Jackson failed to live up to the hype, recording only a handful of sacks and struggling against the run.

How It Hurt the Team:

The defensive line, a cornerstone of the 49ers’ identity, lacked consistency on the edge opposite Nick Bosa. Jackson’s inability to step up forced the team to rotate backups and limited their pass-rush effectiveness.

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3. Deommodore Lenoir (CB)

What Went Wrong:

As one of the starting cornerbacks, Lenoir showed promise in 2023 but regressed significantly in 2024. He was frequently targeted by opposing quarterbacks, allowing big plays and struggling in one-on-one matchups.

How It Hurt the Team:

Lenoir’s inconsistency put extra pressure on the secondary, particularly safety Talanoa Hufanga, to cover for his mistakes. Opposing offenses exploited his side of the field, leading to costly breakdowns in critical moments.

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4. Colton McKivitz (OT)

What Went Wrong:

McKivitz was thrust into the spotlight after the departure of Mike McGlinchey, taking over at right tackle. However, he struggled throughout the season, particularly in pass protection, where he allowed multiple sacks and pressures on quarterback Brock Purdy.

How It Hurt the Team:

McKivitz’s struggles disrupted the offensive line’s chemistry, forcing the 49ers to adjust their game plans to account for his weaknesses. His inability to consistently hold his ground proved costly in key matchups against elite pass rushers.

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5. Sam Darnold (QB)

What Went Wrong:

Signed as a backup quarterback, Darnold had a few opportunities to step in due to injuries but failed to capitalize. His performances were riddled with turnovers, poor decision-making, and a lack of command over the offense.

How It Hurt the Team:

Darnold’s inability to provide reliable backup play left the 49ers vulnerable when Brock Purdy or Trey Lance were unavailable. His struggles also raised questions about the team’s depth at the quarterback position.

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Final Thoughts

Every NFL team has players who fail to meet expectations, and the 49ers are no exception. While the 2024 season showcased the team’s potential, these players stand out as examples of where things went wrong. Moving forward, the 49ers will need to address these issues through roster changes, coaching adjustments, or player development to ensure a more consistent performance in 2025.

The question remains: will these players bounce back, or will the 49ers look elsewhere to fill these gaps? One thing is clear the team’s championship aspirations leave little room for error.