2017 deadline tracker: Latest deals, reaction

For all the focus on the big names that left San Francisco this offseason like longtime left tackle Joe Staley and defensive anchor DeForest Buckner, the reality is the 49ers will look much the same in 2020. The defending NFC champion Niners are returning 18 of 22 starters from a team that fell one quarter short of winning it all, the type of continuity that could be especially crucial during this virtual offseason. While many teams are trying to install new systems or get several new players up to speed while teams are spread out around the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 49ers are mostly intact.

The NFL will hold its conference semifinals without a single defense ranked in the top five in third downs, yards per game, yards per play or points allowed. Yes, it’s been a tough season on that side of the ball. But it’s not too late for defenders to write a U-turn ending to the Great Offensive

The Browns reportedly asked the NFL to allow Kareem Hunt to remain with the organization while he serves his eight-game suspension this fall.