As the San Francisco 49ers gear up for another Super Bowl push in 2026, the focus is less on a full-blown roster overhaul and more on fine-tuning. The core remains strong, the salary cap is in decent shape, and there are no massive contract extensions looming on the horizon. But even in a relatively stable offseason, turnover is part of the game - especially for a franchise that’s constantly walking the tightrope between contending now and building for the future.
With that in mind, several familiar names look poised to move on. Whether it’s due to injuries, cap flexibility, or simply a shift in roster philosophy, these six players have likely suited up in red and gold for the last time.
Brandon Aiyuk, WR
It’s hard to believe how quickly things changed with Aiyuk.
Not long ago, he looked like a cornerstone piece of the offense. But after a disappointing 2025 season and the team’s decision to waive the remaining guarantees on his deal, the writing’s on the wall.
A trade would be ideal - and not entirely out of the question - but interest around the league is expected to be lukewarm due to the financial hit involved. More realistically, the 49ers will likely cut ties once the new league year opens.
It’s a tough end to what once looked like a long-term partnership, but San Francisco is clearly pivoting.
Mac Jones, QB
Jones’ situation is a little more nuanced.
He stepped in for eight starts this past season and showed enough to warrant attention from teams in need of a steady hand under center. His cap number is manageable, which gives the 49ers options - they could hang onto him as a reliable backup or potentially flip him for draft capital.
Given the team’s emphasis on youth and long-term planning, trading Jones might be the smarter play if the right offer lands on the table. Either way, his future in the Bay feels uncertain.
Yetur Gross-Matos, DL
When Gross-Matos was on the field, he gave San Francisco quality snaps.
The problem? He just couldn’t stay healthy.
Knee issues were a recurring theme, and 2025 brought more setbacks with hip and hamstring injuries limiting him to just eight games. Even when active, the coaching staff had to manage his workload carefully.
Now headed for free agency, it feels like both sides could benefit from a fresh start. The talent’s there, but the availability hasn’t been - and that’s a tough combo to bet on.
Kevin Givens, DL
Givens’ journey from undrafted free agent to rotational contributor was one of those classic underdog stories that fans love to root for.
But the NFL doesn’t stand still. He played in just five games last season and was a healthy scratch more often than not.
With the 49ers looking to get younger and more versatile up front, Givens appears to be the odd man out. His run in San Francisco was longer than most expected, but the depth chart is shifting.
Isaac Guerendo, RB
The 49ers spent a fourth-round pick on Guerendo hoping to add some burst to the backfield.
On paper, it made sense - he brought speed, and the team needed a spark. But it never clicked.
Guerendo struggled to carve out a role, and when the team made a midseason move for another running back, that told you everything you needed to know. He’s still young, and there’s time for him to develop elsewhere, but in San Francisco, the writing’s on the wall.
He’s fallen out of the long-term plan.
Brian Robinson Jr., RB
Robinson was brought in to bring a different dimension to the backfield - physicality, versatility, a bit of thunder to pair with the lightning.
And to his credit, he had flashes. But those moments were too few and far between.
As he heads into unrestricted free agency, it’s hard to see the 49ers prioritizing his return. With other needs to address and potential upgrades available, Robinson likely becomes a cap casualty in the name of roster flexibility.
The 49ers aren’t blowing things up this offseason, but they are recalibrating. The goal is the same - win now, without compromising tomorrow.
That means making tough calls on guys who’ve been part of the fabric of the team. For these six players, the next chapter is likely coming in a different uniform.