49ers predicted to miss playoffs amid offseason drama headlined by owner’s arrest

The San Francisco 49ers have endured a painful offseason — and everyone knows it.

Colin Cowherd didn’t mince words when discussing the team, and made it clear that the 49ers may not be cut out to compete in a loaded NFC this season.

“I tend to think the Niners are very close to pulling a ‘Thelma & Louise’ and driving off the cliff, for a lot of reasons,” Cowherd said Monday on The Herd. “I don’t think they’re a playoff team.”

Reports of owner Jed York’s arrest surfaced Monday morning after he cut a plea deal with prosecutors. Cowherd mentioned the story before he made remarks about the team’s ability to reach the postseason this year.

On Sunday, York was arrested and booked into an Ohio county jail on two separate charges after he allegedly paid a woman $140 for sex.

The 49ers offseason has been tainted by injuries, but the off-the-field drama has also cast a cloud over the team. At the start of training camp, general manager John Lynch announced head coach Kyle Shanahan was involved in a car accident where he sustained serious injuries.

Shanahan missed the start of camp because of the injuries, but the 49ers have always planned to have their head coach back for the season opener in Australia against the Los Angeles Rams.

The latest news surrounding York has certainly been a distraction from the 49ers’ success on the field or lack thereof.

There’s much doubt surrounding the 49ers because of numerous injuries this summer, thus health will once again play a pivotal role in the team’s 2026 performance.