The San Francisco 49ers were far more aggressive in free agency this offseason than they were in 2025, when the front office focused primarily on extending its core talent.
This year, San Francisco made several notable additions, including veteran wide receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, re-signing linebacker Dre Greenlaw, and trading for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa.
Still, the 49ers may not be done reshaping their roster. Garrett Podell of CBS Sports recently identified San Francisco as the ideal landing spot for three remaining free agents, suggesting additional moves to bolster the roster, depending on how the 2026 NFL Draft plays out.
49ers could add pass-rush help with Jadeveon Clowney
Veteran defensive end Jadeveon Clowney proved he can still produce deep into his career, recording a team-high 8.5 sacks with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025.
San Francisco could use that kind of production after finishing with an NFL-low 20 sacks last season. Injuries played a major role, as Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams both ended their seasons early with torn ACLs, while Bryce Huff retired.
"Adding a healthy, proven pass rush threat along the edge in Clowney would relieve some of the urgency on those two (Bosa and Williams) to rush back from their injuries," Podell wrote. "Plus, Clowney already has plenty of pass-rush chemistry with new 49ers defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa after suiting up together in Dallas last season."
49ers reunion with Deebo Samuel?
A reunion with Deebo Samuel would be a surprising twist after the wideout forced his way out of San Francisco last year and was traded to the Washington Commanders.
Podell points out that Samuel's production dipped in 2025, as he averaged a career-low 10.1 yards per reception, though he also dealt with quarterback instability.
While he may no longer be the same dynamic weapon, Podell believes Samuel could still thrive in the right system—particularly one run by head coach Kyle Shanahan.
"It would make all the sense in the world for Samuel to come back home to San Francisco," Podell wrote. "Kyle Shanahan will certainly look to lighten running back Christian McCaffrey's workload after 413 touches in the regular season. That's the most in a season since Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray's 449 back in 2014. McCaffrey also turns 30 years old on June 7.
"Bringing back Samuel to fill in for McCaffrey on some of the checkdowns and screens in Shanahan's offense could maximize the former's skill set while preserving the latter for postseason football."
Another push for Joey Bosa to join the 49ers
Despite general manager John Lynch recently downplaying the team's ability to afford Joey Bosa, speculation continues to link the veteran pass rusher to San Francisco.
Podell still views San Francisco as the ideal landing spot for the veteran pass rusher, who has tallied 77 career sacks.
"Joey Bosa was an underrated piece of the Buffalo Bills' defense. He's not the same guy he was in the late 2010s because of injuries, but Pro Football Focus grades him as their seventh-highest graded pass-rushing edge defender with an 88.7 grade in 2025. He also led the league with five forced fumbles. Bosa can help stabilize any team's pass rush this offseason.
"As mentioned with Clowney, the 49ers were the NFL's worst pass rush by a country mile. Going to San Francisco and teaming up with his brother Nick just makes too much sense."
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