The San Francisco 49ers assured everyone that they would take seriously any concerns about the potential impact of a nearby electrical substation on team injuries. Coming off an injury-plagued 2025 season, the 49ers have often faced scrutiny for being among the league's most injury-prone teams.
General manager John Lynch spoke with reporters at the NFL meetings in Phoenix, Arizona, revealing that the 49ers brought in an independent scientist to investigate the impact of the neighboring electrical substation on their Santa Clara facility.
So, what did the study reveal?
"We did hire an independent scientist, and he basically [said] it was a big nothing burger. We're safe," Lynch said. "We're in a safe place of work. The levels are—I think I read in there—400 times less than unsafe zones, so it's a normal place of work, it's a normal gym. We are safe, we're healthy, and we feel really good about that."
Some players had expressed concern about the substation, making it an issue the team could not ignore.
"That [study] was important to us," Lynch said. "Not just to turn a blind eye, but to look into it because it's our players' wellness. It's not only our players' wellness, it's coaches, it's staff. It's encouraging. I felt like it would be that way, but it's encouraging that it came out in a good place."
Lynch added, "His findings were clear. Our facility is safe, exposure level is similar to what you'd experience in a typical workplace or commercial gym."
There had been speculation that concerns over the substation could impact the 49ers' ability to attract free agents. However, it doesn't appear to have been a deterrent.
"Nobody asked about it, which was really interesting," Lynch said. "I was prepared."
San Francisco was much more aggressive in free agency this year compared to 2025. The team even signed veteran Mike Evans, who reportedly accepted a lower salary from the 49ers than one offered by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he spent the first 12 seasons of his NFL career.
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