During his end-of-season press conference, general manager John Lynch made it clear the San Francisco 49ers' top free-agent re-sign candidate was wide receiver Jauan Jennings.
That makes sense, especially in light of the Niners' shortages at the position entering 2026.
However, there's a less-subtle task on San Francisco's to-do list that involves a player few fans talk about: defensive end Sam Okuayinonu.
Okuayinonu has been an invaluable part of the 49ers' D-line rotation the last two seasons ever since he was picked up early in 2024, appearing in 31 games and starting 15 of them. And in each of his two campaigns with the Niners, the 27-year-old role player has logged a total of six sacks and 19 pressures.
Those numbers certainly won't make Okuayinonu a household name.
But, considering the depth and injury issues San Francisco dealt with along the line in 2025, retaining a key piece like Okuayinonu makes all the sense in the world.
49ers must prioritize re-signing Sam Okuayinonu this offseason
Okuayinonu could walk this offseason, although he's currently pegged as a restricted free agent.
That gives the 49ers some control over his immediate future, although it doesn't seem likely they'll want to absorb the costs associated with a first- or a second-round tender. A right of first refusal might be in play, but the smarter move might be to simply offer him a new contract.
Related story: Full list of 49ers pending free agents for 2026
Over the Cap valued Okuayinonu's efforts in 2025 at $6.222 million, which exceeds the projected 2026 RFA tender estimate of $5.66 million.
However, should the Niners opt to give Okuayinonu a two-year deal worth up to $8 million, $5 million of which could be guaranteed, it'd ultimately give the defensive lineman some job security with a nearly identical amount of guaranteed cash as he'd receive on the tender.
And he'd stay in the building for twice as long as the tender.
True, San Francisco still needs top-end thump in the pass-rush department. Okuayinonu would remain a rotational piece, at best. Yet having him as a key go-to option on the depth chart would be a vital play the 49ers need to make.