Every offseason, it seems as if the 49ers have a flurry of compensatory NFL Draft picks, and one should expect no different in 2026.
The San Francisco 49ers were awarded the maximum number of compensatory selections in the 2025 NFL Draft, boasting four of them.
In 2024, the Niners had the then-max of five comp picks. And one would have to go back all the way to 2018 to find the last time general manager John Lynch and Co. didn't have a compensatory pick in the draft.
Part of this is due to San Francisco's ascent to perennial Super Bowl contention, which has resulted in many a high-priced free agent signing elsewhere. Paired with other teams plucking minority coaches and executives from Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan's staffing trees, in accordance with Rooney Rule rewards, the 49ers have turned adding comp picks into something of a business.
That business should generate even more results in 2026.
49ers projected to receive 3 compensatory picks in 2026 NFL Draft
According to Over the Cap, which does a masterful job of predicting the complex and secretive formula the NFL uses to determine such selections, the Niners are projected to receive a total of three compensatory selections in the 2026 draft.
Unlike previous years, none are to be awarded for the hiring of a minority assistant elsewhere. Rather, the three predicted picks are for net losses of qualifying free agents:
- Cornerback Charvarius Ward (Indianapolis Colts) -- Round 4
- Offensive guard Aaron Banks (Green Bay Packers) -- Round 4
- Safety Talanoa Hufanga (Denver Broncos) -- Round 5
It's fair to wonder why linebacker Dre Greenlaw's deal with the Broncos didn't result in a comp pick. But, according to OTC, San Francisco's onboarding of tight end Luke Farrell cancelled out Greenlaw's would-be compensatory selection going back to the 49ers.
The same goes for left tackle Jaylon Moore's departure to the Kansas City Chiefs cancelled out by quarterback Mac Jones' pickup. Additionally, quarterback Joshua Dobbs' free-agent move to the New England Patriots got cancelled out by the Niners inking wide receiver Demarcus Robinson.
Kyle Posey of Niners Nation pointed out how Jones' potential playing time with San Francisco in 2025 could impact whether or not he qualifies, meaning it's possible the 49ers receive yet another comp pick.
For now, though, it appears as if three are likely to head in the Niners' direction when officially announced next spring.