The San Francisco 49ers face no shortage of challenges this offseason, specifically after overcoming an injury-plagued 2025 campaign but nevertheless advancing to the divisional round of the playoffs.
At the same time, amid cap concerns and a desire to get both younger and cheaper, it's not wholly clear exactly how general manager John Lynch and Co. will approach free agency. True, only a handful of pending free agents the Niners may potentially lose are of the serious-impact variety. But, those possible losses could be awfully difficult to replace.
Especially if San Francisco steers clear of making any big-name splashes, which was certainly the modus operandi a year ago at this time.
Either way, expect things to be busy when the NFL new year kicks off, and be sure to bookmark this page for all your 49ers updates, insight and analysis regarding free-agent frenzies.
On this page
- 49ers free agency snapshot (at a glance)
- 49ers major signings and moves
- 49ers depth signings and minor moves
- Potential 49ers departures to watch
- 49ers players signing elsewhere
- Best targets remaining
- More on 49ers free agency
49ers free agency snapshot (at a glance)
- Cap space remaining:Â $28,171,653
- Biggest signing: WR Mike Evans
- Biggest departure: KR/PR Skyy Moore
- Most surprising move: Re-signing Eddy Pineiro
- Biggest remaining need: Edge rusher
- Last updated: March 25 at 11:21 a.m. ET
Two positions could classify as the Niners' top offseason needs: wide receiver and defensive end, specifically in light of both Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings likely having played their final snaps in San Francisco, while the defense registered a league-low 20 sacks last season.
That said, the 49ers need to fortify the secondary, find some younger core pieces and potentially look for an heir apparent to future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams.
Read more: Full list of 49ers pending free agents for 2026
49ers major signings and moves
WR Mike Evans, UFA
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Mike Evans is coming off his first sub-1,000-yard campaign last year because of injuries, but his ability to produce with an array of different quarterbacks made him an enticing free-agent target.
Plus, in light of opposing defenses not fearing too many of the Niners' big-play threats a year ago, Evans' would-be presence could finally round out Shanahan's offense to the point of big-play ability.
According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the future Hall of Famer is switching coasts to join the red and gold on a three-year deal.
Age is a concern, but he's a true WR1 for San Francisco right out of the gate.
DL Osa Odighizuwa, trade
The 49ers clearly needed help for their defensive line, too. And while free agency didn't provide any initial moves, Lynch managed to execute a trade with the Dallas Cowboys for five-year pro defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, sending a third-round pick back to Dallas in exchange.
Odighizuwa, 27 years old, managed 17 sacks over his five-year Cowboys tenure, also logging 34 tackles for a loss and 81 quarterback hits.
This should go a long way toward addressing the Niners' D-line shortcomings from a year ago.
LB Dre Greenlaw, UFA
The Denver Broncos bade farewell to linebacker Dre Greenlaw after one injury-plagued year into his three-year deal signed last offseason following his lengthy San Francisco tenure.
The 49ers struggled to find Greenlaw's replacement over the previous two seasons, especially when he missed the bulk of 2024 with injury, so that now changes with reports of a one-year reunion deal that brings "Big Play Dre" back to the Bay Area.
Linebacker Fred Warner will certainly be happy.
P Eddy Pineiro, UFA
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Niners were committing big bucks -- four years up to $17 million -- to retain last year's hero kicker, Eddy Pineiro.
Pineiro was key in San Francisco's special teams turnaround a year ago, but it's fair to scoff a bit at spending so much cash on a specialist with other needs easily more pressing
San Francisco's prior traumas from the Jake Moody era might influence the decision.
49ers depth signings and minor moves
49ers sign OL Robert Jones
The 49ers inked former Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins guard Robert Jones to a one-year deal, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Jones missed all of 2025 with a neck injury while he was with Dallas, spending the previous four seasons in Miami, much of which was under then-head coach Mike McDaniel, making the scheme ties hard to ignore.
The Niners likely have their starting left guard in place to replace Spencer Burford.
49ers sign WR Christian Kirk
Two or three years ago, this would've been a blockbuster, but the 49ers' reported one-year deal for Christian Kirk merely beefs up the wide receiver room behind Evans now.
At least the Niners have restocked the room with a strong veteran presence.
LS Jon Weeks re-signed
Special teams showed improvement last year over 2024, so retaining long-snapper Jon Weeks should go toward that continuity.
49ers sign OL Vederian Lowe
With Williams' future uncertain, the 49ers at least moved to act by grabbing former New England Patriots backup lineman Vederian Lowe on a two-year deal, as reported by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
It's a two-year deal worth up to $12 million for a lineman who has 25 starts over his four-year NFL career.
49ers sign OL Brett Toth
While Lowe might help on the outside, the reported one-year deal for former Philadelphia Eagles interior lineman Brett Toth gives a little bit of depth to the middle of the Niners offensive line.
San Francisco has a void at left guard, and Toth immediately has a chance to start after primarily being a role player.
TE Jake Tonges gets re-signed over RFA tender
Jake Tonges showed up out of nowhere last season after George Kittle's hamstring injury, and while the former's run-blocking efforts need some work, at least the undrafted backup tight end proved he can be a valuable backup to Kittle.
That matters with Kittle potentially missing a chunk of 2026 after tearing his Achilles last January, and according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the undrafted free agent is back on a two-year deal instead of having to go through a restricted free-agent tender process.
49ers sign CB Nate Hobbs
San Francisco beefed up its secondary by adding former Green Bay Packers cornerback Nate Hobbs on a one-year deal.
Hobbs, who spent the previous four years with the Las Vegas Raiders, either serves as immediate depth or potentially competes with two-year pro Renardo Green for a starting boundary job opposite Deommodore Lenoir.
49ers re-sign LB Luke Gifford
Special teams matter, too, and linebacker Luke Gifford is back on a two-year deal, per Pelissero.
49ers sign punter Corliss Waitman
San Francisco likely wanted to get cheaper, and it certainly got younger by inking former Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman, ending Thomas Morstead's one-year tenure in the Bay Area.
Potential 49ers departures to watch
LT Trent Williams
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, San Francisco might be willing to trade Williams if the current contractual impasse continues.
Williams, the future Hall of Famer who has held down his spot on the offensive line with the 49ers since 2020, will count for $39 million against the cap this season. Yet the Niners' lack of a backup plan means he has tremendous leverage as he looks to prolong his top-end value.
Schefter subsequently reported the 49ers were allowing Williams' camp to explore trade options, albeit ones that'd satisfy the Niners' asking price, suggesting it'd be hard for all three parties to get what they want, meaning Williams could easily stay put.
WR Brandon Aiyuk, Reserve/Left Squad
Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan essentially announced Brandon Aiyuk would be let go at the start of the new year, and the only remaining question is how after the receiver opted to go AWOL in the middle of last season.
Maybe another team comes in with a trade offer, but it seems likeliest the Niners will simply go with an outright release.
WR Jauan Jennings, UFA
San Francisco would like to retain Jennings in light of their receiving shortages entering 2026, yet "Third and Jauan" likely priced himself out of the 49ers' comfort range.
After a tenuous contract standoff last offseason, it'd make sense if Jennings aims to cash in on a lucrative deal elsewhere.
DL Kalia Davis, UFA
According to Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz, the Niners aren't planning to tender restricted free-agent defensive lineman Kalia Davis, likely opting not to pay the cost associated with RFA tenders.
It's possible San Francisco aims to retain the reserve interior lineman at a cheaper cost if he doesn't sign elsewhere.
49ers players signing elsewhere
RB Brian Robinson, UFA
Schultz also reported the 49ers' No. 2 running back behind Christian McCaffrey last year, Brian Robinson Jr., is heading off to join the Atlanta Falcons.
This likely bumps 2025 rookie Jordan James up the depth chart.
Departure: Signed with Falcons
WR Kendrick Bourne, UFA
The 49ers don't win their first bout against the Los Angeles Rams without Kendrick Bourne's 142-yard performance. And while his numbers gradually declined as the season rolled along, he nevertheless indicated a desire to return.
If the Niners want an established veteran to mentor some young receivers, Bourne would be the guy to do it.
According to CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz, though, other teams were expressing interest in Bourne, and . the Arizona Cardinals subsequently landed the receiver on a two-year deal.
Departure: Signed with Cardinals.
WR Skyy Moore, UFA
Wide receiver Skyy Moore wasn't a massive piece of the offense last season after being picked up in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, but the 2022 Round 2 draftee certainly impacted the upward trajectory of San Francisco's special teams by averaging 27.5 yards per kickoff return.
According to Jordan Schultz, he's off to the Green Bay Packers on a one-year deal.
Departure: Signed with Packers.
DB Jason Pinnock, UFA
Schultz also reported the New York Giants were signing back safety Jason Pinnock, who spent 2025 on the 49ers roster and played in all 17 games.
Departure: Signed with Giants.
Edge Bryce Huff, retired
Edge Bryce Huff announced his retirement on Instagram a day after free agency began, ending his NFL career following his first of two would-be years in the Bay Area.
The move opens up an even bigger hole in the 49ers' already-weak pass-rush department.
Departure: Retired.
DT Jordan Elliott, UFA
After spending two seasons in the Bay Area, veteran defensive tackle Jordan Elliott is reuniting with now-Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh on a two-year deal, as reported by Schefter.
Departure: Signed with Titans.
DE Robert Beal Jr., UFA
San Francisco didn't tender defensive end Robert Beal Jr., allowing him to hit the open market.
Departure: Signed with Dolphins.
OL Matt Hennessy, UFA
ESPN's Todd Archer reported the Cowboys are inking backup interior offensive lineman Matt Hennessy.
Departure: Signed with Cowboys.
OL Spencer Burford, UFA
After a four-year stint with San Francisco, perhaps best known for an infamous Super Bowl gaffe, Burford inked a deal to join the Las Vegas Raiders, announced by the team itself.
Departure: Signed with Raiders.
OL Ben Bartch, UFA
Bartch was an interim starter for the 49ers over the course of 2025 but ultimately was sidelined by injuries for all but six games. He's off to the Detroit Lions now.
Departure: Signed with Lions.
Best targets remaining
DE Joey Bosa
The loss of Huff means the 49ers are without a No. 2 outside pass-rusher to pair with Nick Bosa, so it makes logical sense to go after his older brother, Joey Bosa.
The elder Bosa brother enjoyed a productive one-year stint with the Buffalo Bills last season after his lengthy Los Angeles Chargers tenure. And while Joey is beyond his prime, taking on a role as a complementary edge rusher is something that's worth considering.
Plus, it'd be fun watching the two brothers on the field at the same time. It fits a clear Niners need, too.
OT Taylor Decker
Depending on the Williams situation, San Francisco might want to keep tabs on the longtime Detroit Lions tackle, Taylor Decker, who found himself released on the eve of the new league year.
Decker is clearly a downgrade from Williams (nearly every tackle is), but the drop wouldn't be too significant if the latter ultimately forces his way out of the Bay Area.