The San Francisco 49ers are down to their final preseason game Thursday night against the Las Vegas Raiders, and after that they’ll get a couple weeks off before heading to Australia to face the Los Angeles Rams. With only preseason action in the books, it’s still too early to hand out final grades on the offseason. But some moves already have the feel of wins, and a couple others are starting to raise eyebrows.
One of the clearest additions that already looks worthwhile is the signing of Mike Evans. San Francisco needed help at wide receiver, and Evans was one of the best available options.
His arrival still has a little bit of shock value to it after so many years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He’s been a bit banged up early, which isn’t exactly a surprise, but he still appears on track for Week 1.
Even if he does miss time, the idea of Brock Purdy having him as a target is a major boost. If the offense stays healthy, the Niners have the kind of firepower that can turn them into a juggernaut, and Evans should be right in the middle of that.
Another move that is starting to look very sharp is drafting De’Zhaun Stribling with their first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. At the time, it may have seemed questionable, but plenty of fans now seem thrilled with the selection.
The rookie has flashed in training camp and preseason, and while Kyle Shanahan is famously tough on rookie receivers, Stribling looks poised to have a real role this season. The pick could end up looking even better if veterans like Evans or Deebo Samuel miss time and Stribling is forced into a bigger job.
Not every offseason decision has aged as well. The Christian Kirk signing is tough to evaluate because he’s been injured since the start of training camp, so there’s no performance to judge yet.
At the time, it made sense - the 49ers needed a deep threat. But the concern now is that he could begin the year on IR.
He might still help later in the season, but if the injury drags on and he never gets fully right, this one could end up feeling like a mistake.
The other move that already looks questionable is the decision not to do more at edge rusher. That group is a real worry right now.
Nick Bosa is dealing with an ailment, Mykel Williams may not be ready for Week 1, and the depth behind them is either unproven or unexciting. It might turn out better than it looks on paper, but it’s hard not to feel uneasy about it, especially with edge rusher having been such a glaring problem for the team last season.
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49ers May Have Just Caught A Break In Week 1 Prep
The Rams Week 1 prep has taken on an extra layer of uncertainty, and it could matter right away for San Francisco. Puka Nacua is dealing with a groin injury while also facing the possibility of a suspension tied to a civil lawsuit, leaving Los Angeles to sort through its receiving options as the opener against the 49ers approaches.
For San Francisco, the safest approach is to assume Nacua will be out there until proven otherwise, even if the picture remains unsettled. The Rams added Tutu Atwell to help deepen the receiver room after his stint with the Dolphins, but the real question for the 49ers is whether they get the full version of a familiar NFC West threat or an opener tilted by circumstance. [Read more 🡒]
49ers Got One Reassuring Sign On A Sloppy Night
Mac Jones opened the evening running the 49ers offense for the first two drives against the Raiders, and the results were mixed from the start. There was a missed connection in the passing game, but there were also aggressive downfield attempts that hinted at how the offense wants to attack when the passing rhythm sharpens. On a night with plenty of preseason unevenness, the cleanest, most encouraging work came from the specialists and a few young defenders trying to carve out roles.
Eddy Pineiro was the steadying force, drilling multiple long field goals and finishing a perfect 6-for-6 on the night. Around him, the rookies on both sides of the ball had their moments, with several defensive players showing flashes even as missed tackles showed up too often, while rookie running backs Kaelon Black and Jordan James were reminded there is still plenty to clean up. For a 49ers team sorting through depth and roster battles, Pineiros consistency stood out as the rare thing that did not need much explanation. [Read more 🡒]
49ers Roster Battle Just Put One Big Cut Decision Under Pressure
The preseason meeting with the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium gave the 49ers a low-scoring dress rehearsal built around defense and depth, with most of San Franciscos starters sitting out. In that kind of game, the margins matter even more, and the 49ers still found ways to make it interesting with multiple field goals from Eddy Pieiro and encouraging moments from players trying to carve out roles, including Jordan James and Adrian Martinez.
What stood out most, though, was how the game fed into a bigger roster conversation still hanging over the final cutdown period. San Franciscos coaching staff and front office are weighing how to handle the quarterback room, and the choice of whether to carry three quarterbacks has only become more pointed after a night when the backup and developmental spots were on display as much as the scoreless stretches. [Read more 🡒]