San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was in Los Angeles last week for the inaugural Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO Stadium. Following the event, NBC Sports Bay Area caught up with Shanahan to discuss the team's free-agent activity and ongoing roster developments.
The 49ers were notably more aggressive in free agency than a year ago. While not every need has been addressed, the team will look to fill remaining gaps in the 2026 NFL Draft.
"I like to get free agency over with, so now I can go focus on the draft, know the holes that we still need to replace, and hopefully, we'll be able to do the rest there," Shanahan said.
49ers add Mike Evans, Christian Kirk to revamped WR room
Shanahan highlighted the additions of Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, two key signings expected to reshape a wide receiver group set to lose Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings, and already lost Kendrick Bourne and Skyy Moore.
Evans, who spent his first 12 NFL seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, brings size, production, and veteran leadership.
"Mike's a unique dude," Shanahan said. "I mean, he's a Hall of Famer. Never had a guy truly like Mike. Had some Hall of Famers, but they've all been wired differently. And to get a guy with Mike's length, what he can do down the field, how big of a competitor he is, I just love the guy that we're adding, how committed he is to winning, and I think that's why he chose to come to us."
Evans reportedly turned down a larger offer from the Buccaneers to join the 49ers, signaling his desire to compete in what he views as an ideal football situation.
"It says everything about how important football is to him," Shanahan said. "And he thinks football first and wanted to be in what he thought was the best football situation for him. And when you have guys like that, to me, that gives you a chance to do something special."
Meanwhile, Kirk arrives after spending time with the Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans.
"Very similar to Mike—he could have gone to some other places, too, but he wanted to be in the right situation, and he liked our place," Shanahan said. "And I've always been a huge fan of Christian since he was at Arizona. I feel lucky to get both those guys."
Shanahan confident 49ers will resolve Trent Williams situation
Contract talks with star left tackle Trent Williams remain at a stalemate after the 49ers declined his $10 million option bonus. Both sides appear set to continue working toward a revised deal that would keep the veteran offensive lineman protecting quarterback Brock Purdy in 2026—and potentially, beyond.
While Shanahan offered no concrete update, he expressed confidence that a resolution will—eventually—come.
"No updates from me," Shanahan said. "I actually stay pretty much out of that. I know John, and everyone's working hard to do that. I believe they'll get that done. We love Trent too much, and eventually that'll work out."
Dre Greenlaw returns, reunites with Fred Warner
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw returns to San Francisco after a brief stint with the Denver Broncos, reuniting with All-Pro Fred Warner to reestablish one of the NFL's top linebacker duos.
"Very excited," Shanahan said. "Dre's one of my favorite players ever—people ever. We were heartbroken when we lost him last year, but it was just a year away. He's right back at home, and we're very excited."
Shanahan emphasized the chemistry and leadership the duo brings to a defense looking to rebound from a lackluster 2025 effort.
"It's special. Those guys went through a lot together," he added. "They have a very special friendship, and Dre's special to all of us. So we're real pumped to get his family back."
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