It's the Sunday before the NFL free agency feeding frenzy begins. There have already been rumors surrounding the San Francisco 49ers, and that will no doubt continue. But will the team be aggressive? Last offseason, they didn't add much in free agency, in a quest to get younger and cheaper. This offseason may not be filled with mega free agent deals or trades, but the 49ers are expected to be more active than they were a year ago.
On Saturday, the 49ers re-signed kicker Eddy Piñeiro to a four-year deal. Many fans and media joked that Piñeiro was the team MVP in 2025 because of how effective he was, especially after replacing Jake Moody. But San Francisco will need to do more than sign a kicker.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN shared the latest on what he's hearing around the NFL on Sunday. San Francisco was included in the article among the teams interested in a few players. Fowler also gave an update on the situation with Trent Williams.
"The clock is ticking on 49ers left tackle Trent Williams, whose $38 million cap hit is a challenge," Fowler wrote. "San Francisco must make a decision, and teams are wondering whether he'll be available as a result. Common sense says San Francisco will try to work something out with the 12-time Pro Bowler."
Now, let's take a look at the players Fowler said he's hearing the 49ers may be targeting.
WR Romeo Doubs
Folwer wrote, "Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs plans to hit the market. Talks with Green Bay did not result in a new deal. He'll have several suitors. The Patriots, Commanders, and Titans are closely watching his market, along with the 49ers. Doubs is considered by some evaluators to be the best all-around receiver in the group."
The 49ers need to upgrade their wide receiver room. It's a glaring weakness the team must strengthen. Last season, the San Francisco wideouts were too slow, too injured, or too young. As a result, the entire unit underperformed.
GM John Lynch said he likes the wide receivers they have, but that Jordan Watkins and Jacob Cowing need to step up, and that Ricky Pearsall needs to stay on the field. But he also knows he and Kyle Shanahan must add to the group. Doubs would be a good choice. As Fowler mentioned, some consider the former Green Bay Packers receiver the best available free agent WR.
CB Montaric Brown
Fowler: "The Jaguars would like to re-sign corner Montaric Brown before free agency. If they can't, San Francisco is among the teams expected to show interest."
Brown had two interceptions and 12 passes defended for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025. There have been rumors that the 49ers may trade Renardo Green. Even if it doesn't happen, San Francisco could very well be in the market for help at corner.
The secondary struggled for much of last season, but the lack of pass rush didn't help. That leads me to believe the front seven will be a major focus, but it wouldn't shock me to see Lynch and new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris add some defensive backs.
LB Kaden Ellis
Fowler added, "Linebacker Kaden Elliss has fans around the league among the previous staffs he has played for: San Francisco (defensive coordinator Raheem Morris) and Cleveland (defensive coordinator Mike Rutenburg), among others, though Cleveland has interest in re-signing Devin Bush at linebacker."
In 2025, Ellis started 17 games and had 59 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble, 3.5 sacks, and 10 QB hits for the Atlanta Falcons. His lone interception came in week six against the 49ers. Could Ellis follow Morris to San Francisco? In his seven-year career, Ellis has appeared in all 17 games four times, all coming in the last four seasons.
The start of the new NFL year doesn't begin until Wednesday, but the free agency negotiation window begins Monday at noon ET. The 49ers will be mentioned as an interested party in several players. Fasten your seat belt. This offseason should be more fun than last year's.
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