Teams typically slow down their free-agent purchasing habits in the weeks leading up to the NFL Draft, and that was certainly the case ahead of the 2026 class, thanks to the new rule that allows post-draft free-agent pickups to not count against the compensatory pick formula.
Such helps explain why former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings remained unsigned heading into the draft, although interest in him apparently picked up upon the draft's conclusion, notably with the Minnesota Vikings.
Jennings is just one of several former Niners who'll be looking for new deals now, and it wouldn't be a shock if he and others who used to call the Bay Area home wind up inking contracts over the next few weeks before offseason workouts begin.
These former San Francisco players likely sign deals fairly soon.
WR Jauan Jennings
Jennings might have overpriced his open-market value, thanks to back-to-back solid seasons for the 49ers, yet the lack of serious interest ultimately denied the Niners a shot at a comp pick, thanks to the aforementioned rule.
Still, Jennings' go-to reliability and blocking prowess are sought-after commodities, which ultimately prompted San Francisco to reach on his successor, wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, to kick off Round 2 of the draft.
Best fits: Vikings, Chargers, Titans
WR Deebo Samuel
His one-year stint with the Washington Commanders now complete, wide receiver Deebo Samuel hasn't come close to replicating the magical 2021 All-Pro campaign that made him a household name.
Still a serviceable low-end WR2, Sameul should have a market with teams that'd make the best use of his versatility, specifically schemes that can get him into open space to generate yards after the catch.
it just won't be back with the 49ers, even if fans would likely welcome a return.
Best fits: Chargers, Rams, Cardinals
DE Leonard Floyd
With former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris coming aboard as the Niners' new defensive coordinator, it's a bit of a shock he didn't aim to bring veteran pass-rusher Leonard Floyd with him.
Floyd, who spent 2024 in San Francisco and notched 8.5 sacks that year, is far removed from being a true impact players but can nevertheless help round out a defense's pass rush.
Don't the 49ers need that even after using early picks on Mykel Williams and Romello Height in back-to-back years?
Best fits: 49ers, Seahawks, Dolphins
QB Joshua Dobbs
A one-year stint with the Niners probably helped boost quarterback Joshua Dobbs' career a bit, albeit not to the level of now Super Bowl-winning signal-caller Sam Darnold.
Yet Dobbs is still a viable No. 2 option on the depth chart, even after his 2025 campaign with the New England Patriots saw him as a mere afterthought to their starter, Drake Maye.
Several teams may explore adding a competent backup after the draft's QB options were awfully limited.
Best fits: Packers, Colts
QB Jimmy Garoppolo
Oh, Jimmy G. He's still out there.
Jimmy Garoppolo's days with the Los Angeles Rams ultimatley concluded after L.A. used the No. 13 overall pick on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, meaning Matthew Stafford's succession plan is now in place.
The latest scuttlebutt suggests Garoppolo is pondering retirement after he's turned into an afterthought, following a disastrous stint with the Las Vegas Raiders that interceded his San Francisco heyday and joining Los Angeles as a backup.
Best fits: Patriots, Bears, Colts, Titans
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