The 49ers’ 2026 Future: Surprise Moves That Could Change Everything Revealed!

Offseason whispers swirl around the San Francisco 49ers, with wide receiver and defensive line often grabbing the spotlight for improvement. Yet, as 2026 approaches, it’s not all about plugging holes—some areas are already holding firm. Free agency and the draft loom large with promise, offering chances to tweak and enhance, but the Niners will be strategic, zeroing in on what truly counts for their roster’s evolution. Let’s dig into each position group and figure out where San Francisco stands—are they solid, or is there work to be done? LEARN MORE

When it comes to the offseason, much of the talk so far has been around where the San Francisco 49ers need to improve. Positions like wide receiver and defensive line have often been talked about, with the 49ers needing more production in both areas.

But where is the team looking strong heading into 2026? Of course, free agency and the draft provide opportunities to upgrade everywhere, but the 49ers will prioritize certain positions over others given their positional needs.

So let’s look at every room on the roster and gauge whether the 49ers are set or need upgrades.

Quarterbacks

The 49ers have Brock Purdy under contract for the foreseeable future, and Mac Jones will be entering the second year of his two-year deal signed last offseason. Add in 2025 seventh-round pick Kurtis Rourke, and that could be San Francisco’s three quarterbacks next year.

Should Jones get traded, the backup spot becomes a priority. But for now, this group seems set.

Verdict: Set

Running Backs

The 49ers have Christian McCaffrey, who bounced back after an injury-riddled 2024 campaign to post over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 17 total touchdowns. Keeping him healthy is key, but the 49ers did draft Jordan James last offseason and still have Isaac Guerendo (although he may be a cut candidate without a good offseason).

There is definitely an opportunity to add depth here with Brian Robinson Jr. a free agent, but the 49ers also seem pretty set at the top at running back.

Verdict: Set

Wide Receivers

This room needs some big-time help. Jauan Jennings is a free agent, so San Francisco may need to replace two starters if he leaves. Speed and separation have to be priorities, as the 49ers struggled mightily in both categories last year.

I wouldn’t be surprised if San Francisco went after an Alec Pierce or Rashid Shaheed in free agency, and then drafted a receiver early.

Verdict: Needs an upgrade

Tight Ends

George Kittle did have an Achilles tear and the 49ers will want to be cautious to ensure he’s fully healthy for 2026. But, given how recoveries have improved, he could be out there to start the season.

Behind Kittle, the 49ers may move on from Luke Farrell after one year. He was a disappointment after signing a three-year, $15.75 million deal last offseason. But Jake Tonges is a solid depth option and the 49ers have valued Kyle Juszczyk even as he gets older.

So, this room is pretty stable, even if a depth piece may be needed.

Verdict: Set

Offensive Line

Trent Williams will be 38 and on the final year of his contract. The 49ers could look to draft his replacement in April, but Williams should anchor the left side once again in 2026. Left guard is the big question mark. The 49ers didn’t really have an answer after Ben Bartch went down, and Bartch isn’t nearly reliable enough to be cemented as the starter once again.

Jake Brendel, Dominick Puni, and Colton McKivitz should all return to their starting spots, so there’s really only one big need along the offensive line: a left guard.

Verdict: Set (outside of left guard)

Defensive Line

The 49ers need some help here. They were dead last in sack rate, which was a big problem after Nick Bosa went down. Getting a quality defensive tackle to work alongside Alfred Collins and C.J. West would make sense. Adding more pass rush on the edge alongside Bosa does too.

I expect the 49ers to add multiple contributions here for 2026.

Verdict: Needs an upgrade

Linebackers

This group suffered a few injuries this year. Fred Warner had the heartbreaking ankle injury back in Week 6, and Tatum Bethune, Dee Winters, and Luke Gifford were all dealing with things at the end of the year.

Warner will be good to go for 2026, and Bethune and Winters should be back. I wouldn’t be surprised if the 49ers re-signed Gifford for special teams purposes, either. The 49ers also have 2025 third-round pick Nick Martin waiting for his opportunity, so this room is pretty stacked with talent right now.

Verdict: Set

Cornerbacks

This group struggled a bit at times this season with inconsistencies, but there was definitely development, especially with third-round pick Upton Stout, who was one of the team’s best defenders by the end of the year.

All three of the 49ers top cornerbacks are under contract in 2026, so it makes sense to continue the development path and look for a better year.

Verdict: Set

Safeties

This group also struggled quite a bit this year, and that leaves a lot of questions here. Currently, there isn’t a player in the room who feels like a bona fide starter next year. But the 49ers haven’t usually invested a lot of money in the position, so I’m curious to see where they go here.

But this group does need an upgrade in some way.

Verdict: Needs upgrade

Special teams

The 49ers have all three of their top special teamers (long snapper Jon Weeks, punter Thomas Morstead, and kicker Eddy Piñeiro) as free agents. It’d make sense to bring all three back (although Weeks and Morstead are getting up there in age).

So this group doesn’t necessarily need an upgrade, but it does need to retain its players or add new pieces.

Verdict: Needs upgrade