The San Francisco 49ers are navigating a roster evolution.
After a 2025 season defined by overcoming injuries that saw stars like Nick Bosa, Fred Warner and George Kittle miss significant time, the front office is shifting gears. With Brock Purdy’s massive extension now on the books and approximately $24 million in cap space (15th in the NFL), the all-in era could be transitioning into a sustain-and-reload phase.
Tiering potential Niners targets, from the high-impact one to a potential flier, let's see who might be on the Niners' radar.
1. Blue-Chip: EDGE Trey Hendrickson
While Bosa remains the cornerstone, the 49ers' pass rush lacked depth in 2025. With Leonard Floyd aging and Yetur Gross-Matos hitting free agency, San Francisco needs a legitimate closer to bookend Bosa. Depsite Mykel Williams' obvious presence, what a tandem that would be as Williams progresses.
- The Fit: Hendrickson is scheme-proof pass-rusher who remains one of football's elite. The Price Tag: Elite. Hendrickson will command $25-plus million in annal average. It would likely require the 49ers to move on from a veteran like Bryce Huff or restructure Warner, but it would instantly restore the Niners defense to one of the league's most feared units.
2. Depth up front: iOL/OT Alijah Vera-Tucker
The interior of San Francisco's offensive line -- specifically left guard -- has been a revolving door. To protect the team's $265 million investment in Purdy, the interior must be fortified with more than just developmental prospects.
- The Fit: Vera-Tucker, "AVT," as he's known, is a dream for Kyle Shanahan’s wide-zone scheme. His lateral agility and ability to play multiple positions along the line provide the exact versatility John Lynch and Shanahan prioritize, and AVT can start at guard immediately while offering insurance at tackle if Trent Williams misses time.
- The Price Tag: Expect a deal around $14 million to $16 million per year. It's a steep price for a guard, but for a team whose window depends on Purdy’s health, it’s a necessary one.
3. The Prove-It: WR Alec Pierce
With Brandon Aiyuk likely having played his last snap in SF and Jauan Jennings testing a market that may value him at more than $20 million per year, the 49ers need a low-cost vertical threat who can take the lid off.
- The Fit: Pierce is a vertical wideout who would give Purdy a consistent threat over the top. He doesn't need 10 targets a game to be effective, and his presence alone opens up the intermediate middle for Kittle and Christian McCaffrey.
- The Price Tag: Coming off a role as a deep specialist in Indy, Pierce could be signed for a moderate two-year, $14 million deal, allowing the Niners to allocate their main capital elsewhere.