Why the 49ers Are Likely to Skip the Franchise Tag Again - And What That Means for Their Offseason
The San Francisco 49ers have made a habit of avoiding the franchise tag, and all signs point to them keeping that trend alive in 2026. Since John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan took the reins a decade ago, the team has used the tag just once - on kicker Robbie Gould in 2019 - and even that didn’t stick. Gould signed an extension before the tag ever took effect.
Now, as the NFL’s franchise tag window opens - running through March 3 - the 49ers once again find themselves with a decision to make. But if history is any guide, they’ll pass.
Why the 49ers Rarely Use the Tag
The 49ers have built their roster with a long-term mindset, locking in core players to extensions well before free agency becomes a concern. That’s how they’ve kept stars like George Kittle, Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, and Brock Purdy in the fold without ever needing to consider the tag. For San Francisco, the franchise tag has become more of a last resort than a go-to tool.
This offseason, there are only two players even remotely in the conversation for the tag: wide receiver Jauan Jennings and kicker Eddy Piñeiro. And even then, the odds are slim.
The Numbers Don’t Add Up
Let’s start with the cost. The franchise tag for wide receivers is projected at a hefty $28 million for one year. For kickers, it’s a much more manageable $6.85 million.
Jennings, who turns 29 in July, had a solid 2025 campaign: 55 catches, 643 yards, and nine touchdowns. He was a reliable target and a key part of the offense, especially in the red zone.
But the financial math is tough to justify. Jennings made $13.1 million last season between salary, bonuses, and incentives.
His projected market value now sits at $22.6 million annually, which would be a significant investment - one the 49ers may not be willing to make, especially with other needs on the roster.
Jennings himself seemed to sense the writing on the wall. After the 49ers’ playoff loss to Seattle, he got emotional in the locker room, sounding like a player who knows his time in the Bay Area might be up.
As for Piñeiro, he played last season on a $1.17 million base salary. Both sides are reportedly interested in working out a new deal, and a multi-year contract at a reasonable number would make far more sense than tagging a kicker at nearly $7 million.
The Bigger Picture at Wide Receiver
If Jennings walks, wide receiver becomes a glaring need for the 49ers - and the options to replace him aren’t particularly promising.
George Pickens, who put up 1,429 receiving yards last season, is a name that’s been floated, but he’s expected to get the tag from Dallas. Even if he doesn’t, he’s not exactly a scheme fit in San Francisco. The 49ers demand their receivers contribute in the run game, and Pickens’ effort as a blocker has been questioned - a big reason Pittsburgh moved him last year.
There’s also Deebo Samuel, who’s set to hit free agency after a year in Washington. But a reunion seems far-fetched.
Samuel, now 30, is coming off a down year - 72 catches for 727 yards and a career-low 10.1 yards per reception. Both sides agreed to part ways last offseason, and there’s little reason to believe that’s changed.
At this stage in his career, he doesn’t look like a $28 million-a-year player.
Cap Space and the Path Forward
The good news for the 49ers: they have room to maneuver. With over $42 million in projected cap space, they rank 10th in the league, per OverTheCap.com. That gives Lynch and Shanahan the flexibility to pursue veteran upgrades - whether that’s at receiver, kicker, or elsewhere.
But don’t expect them to use the franchise tag as part of that strategy. It’s just not how they operate. Instead, look for the 49ers to continue building through smart signings, internal extensions, and calculated moves that align with their long-term vision.
In a league that often rewards splashy offseason headlines, the 49ers have quietly built one of the most stable organizations in football - and skipping the franchise tag once again would be right on brand.