The 49ers' Biggest Need Entering Free Agency

There are few they must choose from.

The 49ers probably think their biggest need is on defense, but it's not.

It's funny, Kyle Shanahan is an offensive head coach, but the 49ers are a defensive team that's extremely proud of its No. 1 defensive rating from last season -- they don't want that defense to take a step back. And they stand to lose four starters this offseason: free safety Tashaun Gipson, nickelback Jimmie Ward, strongside linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and defensive end Samson Ebukam. I'm guessing the 49ers will sign a high-priced player at one of those positions. But they shouldn't.

The 49ers should sign an offensive player.

Offense wins championships in 2023 -- not defense. The past two Super Bowl champions had defenses that ranked 16th and 15th out of 32 teams, respectively. And the top two defenses in the NFL this past season, which belonged to the 49ers and the Eagles, gave up a combined 82 points to the Super Bowl Champion Chiefs.

The 49ers need to focus on their offense, which is good, but not good enough. They have a good running back, a good fullback, a good tight end, two good wide receivers and a good left tackle. But the 49ers don't have a particularly good offensive line.

They have Trent Williams, two young guards who are decent and show promise, and two gaping holes at center and right tackle. Before the 49ers throw any more money at their defense, which already is more than good enough, they need to finish their offensive line. Because until they can keep their quarterback upright and healthy, they never truly will be contenders.