The San Francisco 49ers enter the offseason with significant roster decisions ahead. A total of 28 players are scheduled to hit free agency next month, including 21 unrestricted free agents. That leaves general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan with a long to-do list as they look to strengthen the roster and keep pace with the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams in a highly competitive NFC West.
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings headlines the 49ers' free-agent class. His physical style and clutch performances have made him a fan favorite, but his market value could push him beyond San Francisco's comfort zone—especially after being burned by Brandon Aiyuk's contract.
However, CBS Sports' Zachary Pereles believes another free agent is even more critical for the 49ers to retain: kicker Eddy Piñeiro.
"It may seem like a cop out to pick a kicker here," Pereles wrote. "But considering the 49ers' prior struggles at the position under Kyle Shanahan, Eddy Piñeiro was a revelation. Piñeiro went 28 for 29 on field goals, good for an NFL-best 97%."
Piñeiro's reliability extended into the postseason, where he converted all three of his field-goal attempts and two of three extra points. After the position was plagued by inconsistency before his arrival, Piñeiro's steady production brought much-needed stability. Many fans view him as a clear upgrade over Jake Moody.
Piñeiro signed with the 49ers after Moody's struggles leaked into Week 1. The former undrafted free agent originally entered the NFL with the Oakland Raiders in 2018 and has also spent time with the Chicago Bears, New York Jets, and Carolina Panthers.
According to Spotrac, Piñeiro's projected market value sits at $5.4 million per year — a significant jump from the $1.2 million he earned last season. Even at that price, re-signing him seems like a no-brainer.
With so many free agents to evaluate, the 49ers will need to prioritize wisely. Letting Piñeiro walk could mean reopening a problem they finally solved.
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