Future roster building gets a significant boost. The 49ers secure three crucial fourth-round compensatory picks for the 2026 NFL Draft.
The San Francisco 49ers received a boost to their 2026 draft capital on Monday after being awarded multiple compensatory selections by the National Football League.
The league announced that San Francisco will receive three compensatory picks in the fourth round of the 2026 draft. Those selections come at Nos. 133, 138, and 139 overall, giving the 49ers additional flexibility as they continue building their roster for the future.
Compensatory picks are awarded each year to teams that lose more qualifying free agents than they sign during the previous offseason. The formula used by the NFL considers several factors, including contract value, playing time, and postseason honors earned by departing players.
For the 49ers, the additional draft selections come after the team experienced several notable departures during the 2025 free agency period.
San Francisco lost a number of key contributors, including offensive lineman Aaron Banks, quarterback Joshua Dobbs, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga, offensive tackle Jaylon Moore, and cornerback Charvarius Ward.
While the 49ers did bring in some reinforcements last offseason, the number of incoming players was smaller. Among the additions were tight end Luke Farrell, quarterback Mac Jones, and wide receiver Demarcus Robinson.
Because San Francisco experienced a net loss of qualifying free agents, the team became eligible to receive compensatory picks in the following draft cycle.
The 49ers were not alone in benefiting from the compensatory system. The Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, and Pittsburgh Steelers each received four compensatory selections, the most of any teams in the league this year.
Compensatory selections are distributed at the ends of rounds three through seven in the draft, and they can become valuable assets for teams looking to add depth or maneuver around the board.
With the additional picks now in hand, the 49ers currently hold seven selections in the 2026 draft:
- Round 1 — No. 27
- Round 2 — No. 58
- Round 3 — No. 92
- Round 4 — No. 127
- Round 4 — No. 133 (compensatory)
- Round 4 — No. 138 (compensatory)
- Round 4 — No. 139 (compensatory)
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place April 23–25 in Pittsburgh, giving San Francisco another opportunity to add young talent as it looks to remain competitive in the NFC.