A major theme for the 2025 San Francisco 49ers was cutting costs and reducing age, which resulted in plenty of cash savings but extensive dead money against the salary cap.
Whether or not that trend continues into 2026 is anyone's guess, but it won't stop speculation about the Niners going after some marquee free agents who hit the open market.
While names like Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson might be ideal targets, there's another name who likely hasn't come up in San Francisco free-agent target lists.
Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum.
The 49ers offensive line might not be as bad as the fanbase has frequently accused, and veteran incumbent center Jake Brendel epitomizes this. At the same time, head coach Kyle Shanahan typically prioritizes tackles and centers over guards, previously having spent big bucks on veteran names without reservation (see: Weston Richburg and Alex Mack).
Recently, though, Brendel has been the adequate go-to; not elite by any stretch, but he's not an overwhelming liability either.
But the 33-year-old Brendel is already at the point of having zero guaranteed money on his current contract, and 2026 marks the final year of his deal. While still under contract through next season, things can get weird for players without guaranteed cash remaining. Brendel fits that case.
So, if the Niners opt to splurge to upgrade the O-line, Linderbaum might be the preferred target.
Tyler Linderbaum might be 49ers' top free-agent priority in 2026
Baltimore opted to decline Linderbaum's fifth-year option, its first-round pick from the 2022 draft out of Iowa, which is a modest indication he might not re-sign to stay with the Ravens this offseason. Yet it's possible Baltimore is aiming to re-sign him at a different cost measure and not handing him a fully guaranteed amount for one more season.
Either way, should the two-time Pro Bowler hit the open market, he'll command plenty of attention.
Over the Cap values his 2025 efforts at nearly $6 million, but the rise in interior linemen's average salaries could push that number well over $10 million, annually.
Pro Football Focus listed Linderbaum as the No. 1 center available in the pending free-agent market this offseason, and his 76.4 overall grade is No. 8 among 37 qualifying players at his position.
With the understanding Shanahan has previously spent cash on centers before, combined with the desire to upgrade over Brendel and the noted preference for offensive players out of Iowa, including 2025 rookie guard Connor Colby, putting Linderbaum on an offseason free agency wish list wouldn't be surprising to see for San Francisco whatsoever.