The 49ers could be active on both sides of the ball in free agency, according to a new set of projections.
In a feature for FOX Sports, reporter Greg Auman predicted landing spots for several notable NFL free agents. Among the biggest questions for San Francisco is the future of wide receiver Jauan Jennings, whose market value may test the team's salary cap flexibility.
Despite that, Auman projects Jennings will re-sign with the 49ers in 2026.
"Jennings, 28, could benefit as San Francisco is expected to move on from Brandon Aiyuk, who missed 2025 recovering from a major knee injury," Auman wrote. "The 49ers' receiving corps has underwhelmed — Jennings has 15 touchdown catches over the last two seasons, but he also totaled 643 yards this season on 90 targets, ranking 55th among NFL receivers in yards/target."
Still, finances could stand in the way.
"If he's getting more than $20 million a year, could he price himself out of San Francisco's budget?" Auman wrote.
If Jennings' market surges beyond that range, the 49ers may be forced to look elsewhere for pass-catching help.
49ers linked to two edge rushers
Auman also predicts San Francisco will bolster its defensive front by adding two edge rushers in free agency.
One intriguing possibility is veteran pass rusher Joey Bosa, formerly of the Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo Bills. After being linked to the team in the past, Bosa could finally reunite with his younger brother, 49ers star defensive end Nick Bosa.
"Bosa, 30, had only five sacks in a healthy first season in Buffalo, but he did lead the NFL with five forced fumbles," Auman wrote. "He should get a deal similar to the $12.6 million he got a year ago. With two playoff wins in 10 years in the league, might he consider taking less to join his brother Nick with the 49ers and try to make a meaningful postseason push?
"Buffalo is over the cap as it is, so it might look to go younger rather than bringing Bosa back."
Auman also projects the 49ers as a landing spot for edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie, a former second-round draft pick who has spent his career with the Atlanta Falcons.
"Ebiketie, 27, got pushed aside with Atlanta using two first-round picks on rookie edge rushers in 2025," Auman wrote. "After 12 sacks in 2023-24, he managed just two, even as the Falcons' defense leaped from 31 sacks to 57 in 2025.
"That's not to say he can't get back to a solid rotational role in a fresh start — could he follow Raheem Morris to San Francisco, or reunite with Ryan Nielsen in Minnesota? A one-year deal in the $6-8 million range would let him reset himself for 2027."
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