SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- The San Francisco 49ers were within minutes of reaching their second Super Bowl in three seasons but came up just short against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game.

It was a roller-coaster season that saw the Niners start 3-5, surge to a 7-2 finish and win a pair of road playoff games against longtime rivals Green Bay and Dallas. Along the way, San Francisco got elite production from expected stars such as end Nick Bosa, tackle Trent Williams and tight end George Kittle, but it was the emergence of wide back Deebo Samuel that galvanized the team's second-half run.

Now, the Niners enter another critical offseason with plenty of questions to answer and quarterback Trey Lance's development at the center of it all. But, coming off a 10-7 finish with a pair of postseason victories, the Niners do it with confidence that they aren't far away from returning to the game's biggest stage.

Projected salary-cap space: $8.2 million over the projected salary cap

Top free agents: G Laken Tomlinson, DT D.J. Jones, DL Arden Key, CB K'Waun Williams, RB Raheem Mostert, S Jaquiski Tartt

Potential cut candidates: Two to watch are defensive end Dee Ford and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Ford hasn't been able to stay on the field and is unlikely to return at his current cap number just south of $12 million. Releasing Ford would save about $2 million but if it's designated a post-June 1 release, it would save $7 million. The Niners expect to trade Garoppolo but if they can't find a taker, he could be released.

The big question: What happens with Garoppolo? Coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch said after the season no decision has been made, but Garoppolo was clear: He expects a trade and would like to have a say in where he lands. While he can't officially be traded until March 16, the Niners can agree to a deal before then, and that is the expectation. Getting a deal in place sooner will not only allow the Niners to know what they've gotten back for him, it also will free up much-needed cap space to operate in free agency.

Best-case scenario for the offseason: The demand for veteran quarterbacks far outweighs the supply and the Niners get a second-round pick with conditions that could make it a first-round choice and another pick for Garoppolo. They use the savings to keep some of their own key players -- including extensions for Bosa and Samuel -- and draft resources to fortify the offensive line and the secondary.

Worst-case scenario for the offseason: The Niners find no acceptable deal for Garoppolo, have to wait until after the draft to trade him and get a Day 3 pick in return after watching most of their key free agents depart for teams in better salary-cap situations.

Early look at the NFL draft, from ESPN analyst Jordan Reid: The 49ers could quickly become thin in the secondary based on the talent hitting free agency. Talanoa Hufanga could step into a bigger role, but replenishing the depth there on the back end of the defense is a strong option. If they lose Tomlinson in free agency, addressing the interior offensive line could be another route for Lynch.

Top needs: CB, S, IOL

Top pick: No. 61