Which Free Agent Departure Stings the 49ers the Most?

There is one free agent that departed the 49ers that will sting them when the season comes around.

Dec 10, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; A San Francisco 49ers helmet sits on the field before / Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Many players have departed the San Francisco 49ers in free agency.

Retaining most players is never a reality nor is it worth it. In fact, many of them will not be missed. However, there is always at least one player that leaves who the 49ers will feel a stinging impact from. So, which free agent departure stings the 49ers the most?

It has to be Arik Armstead. Now, the 49ers did an excellent job mitigating that sting from Armstead's departure thanks to their acquisition of Maliek Collins from the Houston Texans. There shouldn't be that drastic of a drop off from Armstead to Collins.

However, Armstead was invaluable as a run defender. That isn't a strength of Collins, which is why the 49ers signed Jordan Elliot from the Cleveland Browns. The 49ers are going to try and platoon Armstead's spot, which I'm not so confident in it working out.

Anytime platooning is the answer to replacing a player, it shows just how impactful that player was. Armstead was a force both against the run and pass. He was such a disruptor on the defensive line, and I'm not so sure the 49ers will be better without him. It really hinges on their additions.

Production aside, where the loss of Armstead will be really felt is his overall presence. The leadership he has brought to the 49ers over the years was significant. Having a player like him where his words carry a lot of weight, especially being the longest tenured player on the team, goes a long way.

Armstead aside, the 49ers won't really feel the sting of any free agent that has departed. No one that left was irreplaceable, so they still find themselves sitting in a strong position.