Bleacher Report's Moe Moton recently identified each NFL team's most important contract-extension candidate heading into the 2026 season, and his choice for the 49ers was Lenoir. The selection is somewhat surprising considering there is no real need to worry about his contract for several years.
Still, if the 49ers believe Lenoir has outperformed the value of his current deal, they could choose to reward him with a revised contract.
"Lenoir signed a new contract in 2024, but you can make the case that he's at least earned short-term financial security on a revised contract," wrote Moton.
Moton noted that the 49ers already addressed their most pressing offseason contract issue by reworking the deal of veteran left tackle Trent Williams.
San Francisco also has significant salary-cap flexibility, although much of that space is expected to be carried over into 2027.
"The club has rising personnel costs with new deals set to kick in next year, but if the front office feels generous with $71.7 million in cap space, it could give Lenoir an extension before he starts a new season without guaranteed money on his deal," Moton added.
Lenoir is scheduled to count $8.9 million against the salary cap in 2026, a figure that jumps to $23.8 million in 2027. A restructured extension could provide the 49ers with greater long-term cap flexibility while giving one of their top defensive playmakers additional financial security.
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