According to Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com, the San Francisco 49ers have made decisions on their seven exclusive-rights free agents, choosing to tender contracts to each of them. In January, the 49ers listed those players as:
- DT Evan Anderson
- DE Alex Barrett
- LB Jalen Graham
- DE Sam Okuayinonu
- OL Austen Pleasants
- TE Jake Tonges
- TE Brayden Willis
Per source the 49ers will tender all of their exclusive rights free agents
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) February 17, 2025
The move comes after the 49ers signed several players to reserve/future contracts in January, including tight end Mason Pline.
Running back Jordan Mason and linebacker Curtis Robinson are restricted free agents, meaning they can negotiate with other teams. However, the 49ers can match any offer or choose to be compensated with a draft pick.
This recent decision isn't surprising, as exclusive-rights free agents have little bargaining power. They are players with expiring contracts but fewer than three accrued seasons in the NFL, meaning their current team holds exclusive rights to offer them a contract. These players cannot negotiate with other teams.
The key takeaway is that the 49ers have decided to retain all their exclusive-rights free agents for now.
Two of the defensive linemen on the list, Anderson and Okuayinonu, showed promise during their limited playing time in a challenging 2024 season for the 49ers. Okuayinonu participated in 44% of defensive snaps, while Anderson played 34%. Both could become important depth players to watch as the offseason progresses.