San Francisco 49ers fans should expect plenty of significant changes to their roster once the upcoming 2026 concludes and the beginning of 2027 commences.
For starters, the Niners are facing an awfully challenging salary-cap situation a little less than a year from now, and despite currently leading the league in available space, Over the Cap projects general manager John Lynch's squad to be nearly $35 million over the cap next offseason.
Coupled with an aging roster that generally lacks an up-and-coming younger core to take over in a few year's time, it's understandable why Lynch and Co. are poised to bid farewell to several of their incumbents once 2026 is wrapped up.
Particularly these five who won't be with San Francisco a year from now.
5 players who are playing their final year with 49ers in 2026
No. 1: QB Mac Jones
Jones was a potential trade chip earlier this offseason after helping the 49ers go 5-3 during Brock Purdy's injury-related absence, effectively resurrecting his career. But the 2021 first-round draft pick's market never materialized, leaving the Niners in position to keep Jones as Purdy's backup.
True, an injury to another team's starting quarterback could change everything, and Jones could be back on the market at any moment.
But the hard reality is he'll be seeking a situation where he can start again, following a path not unlike a previous Purdy backup, Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold.
No. 2: WR Christian Kirk
Adding Kirk as a free agent this offseason was mostly an insurance move, giving head coach Kyle Shanahan a proven pass catcher who still has speed to burn, despite being 29 years old and coming off several injury-plagued seasons.
But Kirk, signed to a one-year deal, is in lame-duck status almost by default. After San Francisco used its top pick in last April's draft to grab Ole Miss' De'Zhaun Stribling, the likeliest of scenarios would be Kirk occupying the slot early in 2026 before eventually giving way to the rookie.
At least Stribling would have a veteran mentor in the interim.
No. 3: WR Demarcus Robinson
A year ago, it was reasonable to think Robinson would be an under-the-radar big-impact player for the 49ers. But, aside from an impressive outing in the Wild Card win over the Philadelphia Eagles, nothing of the sort materialized. He had a mere 22 catches for 276 yards and a touchdown.
It's possible the Niners bid farewell to Robinson as part of final roster cuts, but $2 million in guaranteed money makes that seem unlikely.
If anything, San Francisco keeps Robinson around one more year as depth insurance before bidding farewell in 2027.
No. 4: C Jake Brendel
Brendel has certainly outplayed his value, and despite several fans viewing him as the offensive line's weak link, most metrics view the longtime journeyman as a well-above-average player.
The problem, though, is he'll turn 34 years old early this season and is entering a contract year. The 49ers are likely quietly considering his younger (and cheaper) replacement already.
No. 5: S Ji'Ayir Brown
One of the few remaining leftovers from the Niners' brutal 2023 draft class, Brown has had his fair share of up-and-down moments. From being benched late in 2024 to reclaiming a starting gig last year, but allowing a career-worst four touchdowns in the process, the former third-round pick has been far too inconsistent to warrant an extension or re-sign deal.
Perhaps coordinator Raheem Morris is able to transfigure Brown into a vital part of San Francisco's defense, but the likeliest outcome points to the 49ers bidding farewell to the defensive back once his contract expires in 2027.
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