The San Francisco 49ers are heading into a pivotal offseason with more flexibility than they’ve had in recent years - and that could mean some significant upgrades on both sides of the ball.
Unlike last offseason, when the front office had to juggle a handful of key free agents, this time around the roster is relatively stable. That gives San Francisco a chance to be aggressive in free agency, and two areas stand out as prime targets: wide receiver and edge rusher.
Receiver Room Needs a Spark
Let’s start with the wideouts. Simply put, the 49ers didn’t get enough production from their receiving corps in 2025.
No player cracked 650 receiving yards, and Jauan Jennings - typically a reliable possession target - ended up leading the group. Kendrick Bourne was the No. 2 option in terms of yardage, but the overall lack of explosive plays and consistency was hard to ignore.
Ricky Pearsall, a promising young talent, battled injuries and was limited to just nine games. Demarcus Robinson, brought in via free agency, didn’t move the needle the way the team had hoped. It was a revolving door of underwhelming performances, and the offense felt it.
If the 49ers want to give their quarterback a more dynamic arsenal, they’ll need to address this group - whether it’s through free agency, the draft, or both. A deep threat who can stretch the field would go a long way in opening up Kyle Shanahan’s playbook.
Defensive Line: Help Wanted
Defensively, the pass rush took a major step back last season - and that’s putting it kindly. With Nick Bosa sidelined for most of the year due to a torn ACL, San Francisco posted the lowest sack rate in the league. That’s a far cry from the dominant fronts we’ve seen in recent years.
To their credit, the 49ers have already started reloading with youth. They invested in the 2025 draft, selecting Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and C.J.
West. But relying solely on young, unproven talent isn’t the 49ers’ style.
They know they need a veteran presence to balance that rotation - someone who can win now and take some pressure off Bosa when he returns.
Free Agency Targets: Familiar Faces and Fresh Starts
One name that’s been floated as a potential fit is Arnold Ebiketie, who played under new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris in Atlanta. Ebiketie had back-to-back six-sack seasons before a dip in production this past year, finishing with just two. But don’t let the sack total fool you - his pass rush win rate was an impressive 16.8%, according to PFF.
At 27, Ebiketie still has plenty of upside, and a one-year “prove-it” deal could be the perfect reset button. He was pushed out of Atlanta’s rotation after the team invested heavily in rookie edge rushers, but a reunion with Morris in San Francisco could give him the opportunity - and scheme familiarity - to thrive again.
Another intriguing possibility? A Bosa brothers reunion.
The 49ers reportedly made a run at Joey Bosa last offseason, but he ended up signing a one-year, $12.6 million deal with Buffalo. Now 30, Bosa may not be the game-wrecker he once was, but he still put up five sacks and led the NFL with five forced fumbles in 2025.
He also registered 54 pressures and a solid 15.0% pass rush win rate. Health remains a question, but there’s no denying the value he could bring as a rotational piece or situational pass rusher - especially paired with his younger brother.
Jauan Jennings: A Price Tag to Watch
On the offensive side, the 49ers have a decision to make with Jauan Jennings. At 28, he’s coming off a season where he hauled in 643 yards and 15 touchdowns over the past two years. He’s been steady, if not spectacular, and with Brandon Aiyuk expected to move on after missing the 2025 season due to a major knee injury, Jennings could be in line for a bigger role.
But here’s the rub: if Jennings commands more than $20 million annually, he could price himself out of the 49ers’ plans. That kind of number would be tough to justify for a receiver who ranked 55th in yards per target last season. Still, if the market cools and the price is right, bringing him back could be a smart move - especially if the team doesn’t land a top-tier free agent or draft target.
Final Thoughts
The 49ers are in a strong position heading into this offseason. With cap space to work with and a relatively stable core, they have the flexibility to be strategic - and aggressive - in addressing key needs.
The pass rush is priority No. 1, but wide receiver isn’t far behind. Whether it’s a bounce-back candidate like Ebiketie, a veteran playmaker like Joey Bosa, or keeping a familiar face like Jennings, San Francisco has options.
And if the front office gets it right, this could be the kind of offseason that sets the tone for another deep playoff run.