Eddy Piñeiro has become a crucial part of the San Francisco 49ers' roster, but as the offseason looms with 27 free agents, the team seems to be leaning away from using the franchise tag on him. General Manager John Lynch, speaking at the NFL Combine, hinted that the 49ers are not planning to tag any players this year, including Piñeiro.
Piñeiro’s performance in 2025 was stellar. He led the NFL with a 96.6% field goal conversion rate, nailing 28 out of 29 attempts and hitting six of seven from beyond 50 yards. For a team often engaged in tight contests, his reliability was invaluable.
Historically, the 49ers haven’t shied away from investing in their kickers. They used the franchise tag on Robbie Gould back in 2019 before securing him with a long-term contract. So, why the shift in strategy now?
The Cost of the Tag
The 2026 franchise tag for kickers is projected to be around $6.7 million. While not exorbitant in the NFL’s financial landscape, it would make Piñeiro one of the highest-paid kickers for just one season. The 49ers likely believe they can negotiate a multi-year deal in the $5-5.5 million range, making the tag an expensive and unnecessary stopgap.
Cap Priorities Matter
With contract extensions, restructures, and depth decisions on the table, the 49ers are keenly aware of their financial limits. Allocating $6.7 million to a tagged kicker could restrict their flexibility in other areas. Lynch’s comments suggest a preference for stability over urgency.
The team seems to prefer:
- Securing a reasonable multi-year extension with Piñeiro.
- Allowing him to test free agency and matching offers if needed.
- Avoiding the hefty one-year tag altogether.
Reading Between the Lines
Lynch’s statement about not anticipating the use of the franchise tag is likely a strategic message. It indicates that while Piñeiro deserves a significant contract, the franchise tag is a last resort. Unless negotiations hit a deadlock, it seems the 49ers are aiming to keep Piñeiro in San Francisco without locking up excessive cap space.