Nearly two weeks have elapsed since the end of the San Francisco 49ers' season, after getting thrashed by the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round. In recent days, Robert Saleh booked a flight to Nashville to confirm his position as the new coach of the Tennessee Titans. Also, the end-of-season press conference, led by John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan, offered reflections on the season and future decisions.
While the 49ers signed several players to future contracts, Brandon Aiyuk is as good as gone. The requisite interviews to replace Saleh as defensive coordinator are ahead (Gus Bradley is the favorite internal candidate).
Then there are the conspiracy theories surrounding the electrical substation neighboring Levi's Stadium and the 49ers' practice facility, which some fans and critics believe are attributable to the barrage of injuries suffered by several key 49ers players.
Once the NFL season concludes after next week's Super Bowl, the offseason officially begins. Before the 2026 NFL Draft in late April, teams can recruit free agents and interview and scout college prospects.
The East-West Shrine Bowl and the Senior Bowl commence this week, allowing the 49ers to assess college talent. Franchising select players starts next month, before the Scouting Combine, which then leads into the start of the new league year on March 11th.
Some decisions will be quick, while others may drag out, but with 28 impending free agents, Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch certainly have their work cut out for them.
Here are some quick and early thoughts on the 49ers' 28 impending free agents.
WR Skyy Moore
He stabilized the kick return game early, although not much in terms of big returns late.
P Thomas Morstead
Half of his punts landed inside the 20, but this is a position where the 49ers need to get younger.
DT Kalia Davis
He recorded more than one solo tackle just once (Week 17 vs. Bears) despite being active in every game. He's more of a rotational defensive line piece than a trustworthy one.
LS Jon Weeks
When nobody talks about the long snapper, it means they've done a great job. But just like the punter, it's another position where the 49ers need to get younger.
LB Garret Wallow
Hopefully, he can parlay his Wild Card game performance into a deal with another roster or stay on the 49ers practice squad.
LB Eric Kendricks
He signed in late November. Given his playoff production, a one-year prove-it deal elsewhere could be in play for the 12-year vet.
DE Yetur Gross-Matos
He didn't have much of an impact this year compared to last season. He's missed 15 games in his two-year stint with the 49ers.
OL Austen Pleasants
He started for Trent Williams in Week 18 and is in the mix as a swing tackle.
DE Tarron Jackson
A neck injury placed him on season-ending injured reserve back in late July. He has not been game-day active since October 13, 2024, with Carolina.
WR Trent Taylor
A back injury sidelined him in June. His first two seasons produced 69 receptions with the 49ers, but 19 combined in his last five. He's a journeyman receiver.
OL Ben Bartch
He began the season as the starting left guard, but ankle and foot injuries limited him to just six games.
OL Spencer Burford
He started nine games in place of Bartch, while rookie Connor Colby started six. He's a respectable run blocker, but he struggled in pass protection.
S Jason Pinnock
He started the first five games at free safety, allowing a ton of yards and touchdowns when targeted, while recording zero passes defensed. He'll likely be elsewhere next season.
RB Patrick Taylor
He averaged nearly five yards per rush attempt in 2024, but a shoulder injury sidelined him for the entire 2025 season.
CB Chase Lucas
He saw limited snaps on defense and wasn't the most sound tackler, but he was very good in special teams coverage.
DE Clelin Ferrell
Since signing with the practice squad in late October, he was one of the team's more reliable pass rushers, tallying four sacks.
DE Robert Beal Jr.
He contributed in special teams, but didn't get on the field much defensively. He is distant on the edge rusher depth chart.
OL Matt Hennessy
He started two games midseason at center for Jake Brendel. The measurables aren't eye-opening, but he provided reliable run support and pass protection in limited playing time.
LB Luke Gifford
He started nine games at linebacker when the depth was depleted. He made his mark on special teams, which included 19 tackles (5th in the NFL), earning a Pro Bowl selection.
DT Jordan Elliott
He had plenty of volume in terms of defensive snaps played, but did struggle against the run, along with the rest of the team's interior linemen.
LB Curtis Robinson
He played 14 games this season, after playing three games in each of the past four seasons with the 49ers. He was primarily a special teams contributor despite three starts at linebacker.
RB Brian Robinson
His 100 touches seemed low as Christian McCaffrey's backup. He's talented, but wasn't utilized enough. He'll probably play elsewhere in '26
DT Kevin Givens
A pectoral tear in the preseason derailed his year, limiting him to five games. After seven years with the 49ers, 2025 could be his last.
WR Kendrick Bourne
His Week 4 performance against the Rams was great, and he hit incentives with receiving yards, but he had just six receptions in his last nine games.
TE Jake Tonges
The fumble against Seattle in the Divisional Round was unfortunate, but overall, he was excellent filling in for George Kittle. There aren't many backup tight ends with five touchdowns around.
DE Sam Okuayinonu
Three starts in 2024 got upgraded to 12 starts in 2025, with the defensive end recording three sacks. He is solid and consistent.
WR Jauan Jennings
As tough, clutch, and competitive a receiver as the 49ers have had in recent years. He wants tier 1 receiver money, but will likely get a tier 2 short-term deal. Hopefully, both sides meet in the middle.
K Eddy Piñeiro
Since signing in September, the five missed PATs are not ideal, but he has helped steady the kicking game, making his first 26 attempts, with the only blemish from 64. Robbie Gould-type reliability. He should be retained.
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