Wide receiver Jauan Jennings headlines the 49ers' free-agent class. His physical style and clutch performances have made him a fan favorite, but his market value could push him beyond San Francisco's comfort zone—especially after being burned by Brandon Aiyuk's contract.
However, CBS Sports' Zachary Pereles believes another free agent is even more critical for the 49ers to retain: kicker Eddy Piñeiro.
"It may seem like a cop out to pick a kicker here," Pereles wrote. "But considering the 49ers' prior struggles at the position under Kyle Shanahan, Eddy Piñeiro was a revelation. Piñeiro went 28 for 29 on field goals, good for an NFL-best 97%."
Piñeiro's reliability extended into the postseason, where he converted all three of his field-goal attempts and two of three extra points. After the position was plagued by inconsistency before his arrival, Piñeiro's steady production brought much-needed stability. Many fans view him as a clear upgrade over Jake Moody.
Piñeiro signed with the 49ers after Moody's struggles leaked into Week 1. The former undrafted free agent originally entered the NFL with the Oakland Raiders in 2018 and has also spent time with the Chicago Bears, New York Jets, and Carolina Panthers.
According to Spotrac, Piñeiro's projected market value sits at $5.4 million per year — a significant jump from the $1.2 million he earned last season. Even at that price, re-signing him seems like a no-brainer.
With so many free agents to evaluate, the 49ers will need to prioritize wisely. Letting Piñeiro walk could mean reopening a problem they finally solved.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Writer urges 49ers to consider trading one player—at the right price
There was plenty of speculation surrounding San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones this offseason. Many believed the team could trade Brock Purdy's backup before or during the 2026 NFL Draft. That never materialized, and Jones appears poised to remain Purdy's primary backup... -
49ers and Brandon Aiyuk: The drama has become repetitive
When he became the starter during his rookie year, quarterback Brock Purdy was consistently referred to by his draft-day moniker, "Mr. Irrelevant." As the Niners won and continued to win while he was the starter, reporters used the same phrase over and over again—that Purdy... -
49ers QB Brock Purdy lands surprising spot in 2026 fantasy football rankings
Where does San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy rank among the NFL's top fantasy football quarterbacks entering the 2026 season? NFL Media's Dan Parr released his fantasy football quarterback rankings for NFL.com, organizing the league's top signal-callers into draft... -
49ers' Brock Purdy left out of ESPN's top-10 quarterback rankings
The debate over where San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy ranks among the NFL's elite continues. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler continued his annual NFL position rankings this week, unveiling his list of the league's top quarterbacks. The rankings are based on feedback from NFL...