Why the 49ers Should Make Re-Signing Sam Okuayinonu a Priority This Offseason
When 49ers GM John Lynch stepped to the podium for his end-of-season press conference, he didn’t mince words-wide receiver Jauan Jennings is the team’s top internal free-agent priority. And with the Niners potentially facing a thin receiver room heading into 2026, that move checks out.
But while Jennings grabs the headlines, there’s another name quietly deserving of attention in Santa Clara: Sam Okuayinonu.
Now, Okuayinonu isn’t the kind of player who lights up the stat sheet or dominates highlight reels. But for the past two seasons, he’s been the kind of steady, under-the-radar contributor every contender needs.
Since joining the 49ers early in 2024, the 27-year-old defensive end has suited up for 31 games, starting 15. Over that span, he’s totaled six sacks and 19 pressures-not eye-popping numbers, but solid production from a rotational piece.
And that’s exactly the point. The 49ers’ defensive line has dealt with its share of injuries and depth issues, especially in 2025.
In that context, having a player like Okuayinonu-someone who can step in, hold his own, and keep the rotation fresh-isn’t just a luxury. It’s a necessity.
The Contract Math Makes Sense
Okuayinonu hits the offseason as a restricted free agent, which gives San Francisco a bit of leverage. They could place a tender on him, but the first- or second-round options would come with a hefty price tag. A right of first refusal tender might be more realistic, but there’s a smarter path here: a new deal.
According to Over the Cap, Okuayinonu’s 2025 performance was valued at $6.222 million-higher than the projected 2026 RFA tender of $5.66 million. That opens the door for a short-term extension that benefits both sides. A two-year deal worth up to $8 million, with $5 million guaranteed, would give Okuayinonu some well-earned security and keep him in the fold for longer than a one-year tender would allow.
From the team’s perspective, that’s a win. You lock in a reliable rotational piece at a manageable price, and you avoid the risk of losing him to another team willing to pay slightly more.
A Role Player with Real Value
Let’s be clear: Okuayinonu isn’t going to fix the 49ers’ need for a dominant edge rusher. That top-end pass-rush juice still has to come from somewhere else-whether it’s a splashy free-agent signing, a draft pick, or a breakout from someone already on the roster.
But that doesn’t diminish Okuayinonu’s value. In today’s NFL, where defensive lines rotate heavily to stay fresh and scheme versatility is king, having dependable depth is crucial. Okuayinonu has shown he can be that guy-he knows the system, he’s stayed healthy, and he’s delivered when called upon.
You don’t build Super Bowl-caliber defenses with just stars. You build them with players like Okuayinonu-guys who do their job, fill gaps when injuries hit, and allow the stars to shine.
Re-signing him won’t make headlines. But it’s the kind of move that helps keep a championship window open. And for a team like San Francisco, that’s exactly the kind of business they need to be doing this offseason.