The San Francisco 49ers rank No. 2 in ESPN’s most improved NFL rosters for 2026 after key additions like Mike Evans, Osa Odighizuwa, and Christian Kirk. Here’s why their offseason stands out.
The San Francisco 49ers didn’t need a complete overhaul this offseason, but they made enough targeted moves to significantly raise the floor of their roster.
That approach paid off in a big way, with ESPN analyst Ben Solak ranking the 49ers No. 2 among the league’s most improved teams heading into 2026, behind only the Pittsburgh Steelers.
What stands out about San Francisco’s offseason is the volume of additions—it’s how efficiently they addressed needs.
Despite a rising cap hit tied to Trent Williams, the front office maintained flexibility and avoided long-term risk, a key factor in Solak’s evaluation.
The most notable move was the signing of Mike Evans, a deal viewed as one of the best values of free agency.
Structured with limited guarantees beyond the first year, the contract gives the 49ers a proven veteran without locking them into future constraints.
On the field, Evans adds a skill set the offense lacked at times in 2025—size, red-zone reliability, and a consistent presence on third downs.
San Francisco also strengthened the trenches with the addition of Osa Odighizuwa, acquired via trade.
The move gives the defensive front a younger, productive interior presence under team control, addressing one of the roster’s more pressing needs.
At wide receiver, the signing of Christian Kirk provides stability and depth. While not a headline move on its own, it helps round out a position group that entered the offseason with uncertainty.
Defensively, the 49ers took low-risk swings on players like Dre Greenlaw and Nate Hobbs.
Both additions come with some question marks, but they also offer upside without requiring a major financial commitment, exactly the type of move that can quietly improve a roster over time.
Another factor in the ranking is what the 49ers chose not to do. They didn’t overspend, didn’t compromise future cap space, and kept their draft capital intact.
With multiple picks still available, they remain well-positioned to address remaining needs, including depth along the edge.
Compared to the rest of the NFC West, San Francisco’s progress is clear.
The Los Angeles Rams checked in at No. 12, while the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks ranked even lower, reflecting less impactful offseasons overall.
There are still variables to monitor, particularly health on the defensive side with players like Nick Bosa, and the ongoing contract situation with Williams. But through free agency alone, the 49ers improved key areas without creating new problems.
It’s not a finished roster, but it’s a more complete one, and that’s what pushed them near the top of ESPN’s list.