49ers blown out by Seahawks as questions mount over championship window

According to Cbssports, the San Francisco 49ers were sent home early from the playoffs after a 41-6 loss to division rival the Seattle Seahawks, a game that was never competitive after Seattle returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. The rout highlighted mounting issues for a franchise that has been among the NFL's most successful under Kyle Shanahan — 72-45 since 2019 with five playoff appearances, four conference championship games and two Super Bowl trips.

The team has been hampered by a rash of injuries and roster turnover: standout receiver Deebo Samuel departed for Washington, Brandon Aiyuk missed the entire 2025 season and Jauan Jennings heads into free agency. Key veterans are aging or coming off major injuries — Trent Williams will be 38 next season, George Kittle suffered a torn Achilles, Christian McCaffrey logged a league-high 413 touches in 2025 and the defense lost Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Mykel Williams and others to season-ending injuries.

The defense finished 20th in yards allowed, 13th in points allowed and ranked 26th in EPA per play, according to Tru Media. Big roster changes appear likely as Brock Purdy enters the first season of a five-year, $265 million extension and the team assesses recoveries and contract decisions.

Key Topics

Sports, Seattle Seahawks, Kyle Shanahan, Brock Purdy, George Kittle, Christian Mccaffrey