The 49ers walked off the field in Seattle with a bitter taste in their mouths - not just because of the playoff loss, but because of what the 2025 season could’ve been. Injuries derailed what many believed was a championship-caliber roster, and now, GM John Lynch is staring down one of the most pivotal offseasons of his tenure.
Let’s be clear: this team didn’t fall apart. It held together - barely at times - thanks to a mix of short-term fixes, next-man-up mentality, and some serious depth contributions.
But when you lose a player like Brandon Aiyuk for the entire season, it’s hard to imagine any offense staying on schedule. His absence loomed large, and the ripple effects were felt week after week.
With the season now in the rearview mirror, the 49ers shift into a critical offseason that’s going to test their front office’s creativity and conviction. The salary cap picture is tighter than usual, thanks to injury-related spending and in-season roster shuffling. And while the team is projected to have close to $50 million in cap space - a healthy number by NFL standards - that money won’t stretch as far as it might seem when you factor in the number of contributors hitting free agency.
Here’s the full list of 49ers set to hit the open market:
- G Ben Bartch
- WR Kendrick Bourne
- LT Spencer Burford
- DL Kalia Davis
- DL Jordan Elliott
- LB Luke Gifford
- DL Kevin Givens
- ED Yetur Gross-Matos
- C Matt Hennessy
- LB Tarron Jackson
- WR Jauan Jennings
- CB Chase Lucas
- WR Skyy Moore
- P Thomas Morstead
- ED Sam Okuayinonu
- K Eddy Pineiro
- CB Jason Pinnock
- RT Austen Pleasants
- RB Brian Robinson
- RB Patrick Taylor
- WR Trent Taylor
- TE Jake Tonges
- LS Jon Weeks
That’s a wide-ranging group, featuring everyone from rotational linemen to special teams anchors to skill position players who stepped up when the depth chart got thin.
Two names that should be front and center in those retention talks? Jauan Jennings and Jake Tonges.
Jennings, in particular, has become a quintessential 49er - tough, reliable, and clutch when it matters. He’s not going to lead the league in targets, but his value goes beyond the box score.
Whether it’s a third-down conversion or a key block on the edge, Jennings consistently does the dirty work that keeps drives alive. In a season where the offense was forced to adapt on the fly, he was one of the few constants.
Tonges, meanwhile, carved out a role as a glue guy - a versatile tight end who helped stabilize the offense when injuries hit the depth chart hard. He’s not a household name, but every contender needs players like him: dependable, assignment-sound, and ready when called upon.
Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan now face a balancing act. They’ve got a core that’s still built to contend, but the supporting cast needs reshaping. The challenge is figuring out who fits into the next phase of this team’s evolution - who can help them not just get back to the playoffs, but finish the job.
There’s also the question of how aggressive the 49ers will be with that cap space. Do they look to make a splash in free agency? Or do they double down on the guys who weathered the storm in 2025 and earned a shot to be part of the rebound?
One thing’s for sure: this offseason isn’t about a rebuild. It’s about retooling.
The bones of a contender are still in place. Now it’s up to Lynch and company to reinforce that foundation, make the right calls on who stays, and set the stage for a 2026 campaign that delivers on the promise this past season couldn’t.
The heartbreak in Seattle hurt. But with the right moves, it could be the fuel that powers the next chapter.