The biggest questions facing the 49ers this offseason

3 of 5

MIAMI GARDENS, FL – FEBRUARY 02: San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) throws the ball as San Francisco 49ers Offensive Guard Mike Person (68) blocks Kansas City Chiefs Defensive Tackle Mike Pennel (64) and San Francisco 49ers Offensive Tackle Mike McGlinchey (69) blocks Kansas City Chiefs Defensive End Frank Clark (55) during the NFL Super Bowl LIV game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL on February 2, 2020. (Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

How to fix the interior offensive line?

The 49ers’ hopes of victory in the Super Bowl were damaged severely by the dominant performance of Chiefs interior defensive lineman Chris Jones.

Jones was a disruptive force throughout against the middle of San Francisco’s offensive line, particularly right guard Mike Person.

Shanahan was quick to spring to his O-Line’s defense when asked about their struggles against Jones on Wednesday. He said:

"“I think everyone struggles against elite interior guys. I don’t care what guard you have in this league. When you have a guard one-on-one with a player like that, it’s about five at the most in this league that are like that, those guys are real tough to handle. That’s why you’ve got to be balanced and mix stuff up. He had his plays, but we also had our plays, too.”"

Person, though, was the clear weak link up front in the Super Bowl, allowing a pressure from Jones that led to Garoppolo’s first interception. Replacing him appears the obvious fix to a line that was solid for long periods of the season.

If the Niners choose to go that route, they face a decision over whether to fill the void with Daniel Brunskill – who played well in relief when Person was injured – or a free agent or rookie. The ceiling of the offense could hinge significantly on what choice they make.