Armed with a league-leading $70 million, San Francisco is poised to secure elite veterans. From defensive superstars to versatile offensive anchors, these strategic signings could cement a Super Bowl roster.
The San Francisco 49ers are well equipped with cap space, holding over $70 million currently, which is easily the most of any team in the NFL. That’s a good sign because the 49ers can now be players in the final wave of free agency, with teams no longer being penalized by the compensatory formula for signing free agents. That’s a key reason why several veterans have remained on the board nearly two months into free agency, with some slowly starting to get signed.
Now, the 49ers don’t need to spend all $70 million. They’ve been quite cognizant of their cap space in recent years, carrying money over to future years to help with growing hits for their core stars. But there is the opportunity to strengthen this 2026 roster with quite an amount of cap space.
So, who still makes sense for the 49ers in free agency?
DE Joey Bosa
Second time’s the charm?
The 49ers went after Bosa last offseason to no avail, as he took a more lucrative offer with the Buffalo Bills. Following a solid 2025 campaign where he stayed healthier than usual, he is back on the market. While San Francisco added Romello Height in the draft, they could give the rookie time to develop by adding a future Hall of Famer to an already terrifying defensive front. Pairing the brothers remains the ultimate win for the Niners' faithful.
G David Edwards
If the 49ers are looking for a reliable, "plug-and-play" option at guard, David Edwards is a name that fits the bill. He spent last season with the New Orleans Saints and has proven to be a sturdy interior presence throughout his career. He isn't a flashy signing, but he provides the kind of floor that allows Kyle Shanahan to sleep better at night knowing the interior of the pocket is secure.
G Alijah Vera-Tucker
This is the high upside play. Alijah Vera-Tucker has elite versatility, having played both tackle and guard at a high level. While he spent the 2025 season with the New York Jets, injuries have been the only thing holding him back from perennial Pro Bowl status. If the 49ers are willing to gamble on his health, which they seem to have no problem doing, they could land a cornerstone level talent for the left guard spot on a "prove-it" deal that would instantly upgrade the entire offensive line.
EDGE Trey Hendrickson
If you want to talk about "juice," look no further than Trey Hendrickson. He is coming off a 2025 season where he posted an elite pass rushing grade, consistently finishing near the top of the league in pressure and win rate. While he recently signed a big deal with the Ravens, his name has circulated in trade rumors as Baltimore manages its own cap. If he hits the open market or becomes available via a cap clearing trade, the 49ers have the $70 million to make it happen and create the league’s most feared pass-rush duo.
TE Chigoziem Okonkwo
With the tight end position becoming more and more valuable, Chigoziem Okonkwo represents an intriguing option. He is on the younger side and perfectly suited for a rotational role behind George Kittle. However, if Kittle isn't ready to go at the start of the season, Okonkwo has the explosive athleticism to step in as a primary rotational target. Having a "Kittle-lite" athlete for 12 personnel packages would take this offense to a new dimension.