It was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the San Francisco 49ers.
Instead, it was a year that showed the Super Bowl window is far from closed for the team. Despite injuries to several key starters, which tested the team’s depth, the 49ers finished the season with a 13-5 record and were one of the last four teams standing in the NFC.
Pretty impressive for a team that was supposedly in a rebuild.
However, this season also showed that the front office has some work to do to increase the team’s chances of not only getting back to the Super Bowl but winning it as well.
One area where the work can be done is through free agency.
Here are some potential free agent signings the 49ers could end up making to get back to the big game.
WR Romeo Doubs
You ask most fans who they want to address the wide receiver room, and names like Alec Pierce and Jauan Jennings will immediately be mentioned.
While they are good options, they will most likely be out of the price range for the 49ers.
Romeo Doubs, however, would not be.
Doubs offers what the 49ers want in their wide receivers: a good separator who is a YAC merchant, a strong route runner who excels at the contested catch, and, most importantly, a willing blocker.
Doubs is also capable of playing on the outside or in the slot, which would add further versatility to Shanahan’s offense.
He would be an excellent WR2/WR3 signing.
TE Isaiah Likely
Jake Tonges is a restricted free agent and will most likely be back in 2026. However, he will have a difficult time filling in for George Kittle, who is expected to be out for most of the 2026 season.
Enter Isaiah Likely.
Likely had always played second fiddle at the TE position with the Ravens. When his number was called, Likely proved to be an effective playmaker, averaging no less than 10.4 YPC and showcasing his ability to block in space.
Would Likely replace Kittle in the lineup? No, but after a down season, Likely’s stock has been depressed, so his cost should not be that high.
Adding Likely would provide Brock Purdy with a versatile chess piece on the field who could still be utilized even when Kittle returns from his injury.
G Teven Jenkins
While a center would probably be the better option, the best free agent options are likely to stay with their respective teams, so addressing the next biggest weakness on the offensive line would make sense for the 49ers.
The left guard position has been a revolving door with the 49ers for some time now.
Signing Teven Jenkins could help shut that door.
According to PFF, Jenkins finished being rated as the 8th-best player at his position.
While there is a concern regarding his injury history, there is no denying the impact Jenkins brings when he is playing.
DE A.J. Epenesa
One area the 49ers were repeatedly exposed at was the lack of quality depth on the defensive line.
The 49ers can address this by bringing in A.J. Epenesa.
Epenesa was a solid run defender during his time with the Buffalo Bills, and although his sack numbers are unimpressive, he brings the ability to help make a QB’s life in the pocket uncomfortable.
He’s also capable of kicking inside when needed, which would allow whoever the new 49ers DC will be to get creative with the way Epenesa is utilized.
S Coby Bryant
The 49ers appear set at strong safety with Malik Mustapha for the foreseeable future.
The free safety position is another matter entirely.
Ji’Ayir Brown mostly manned the position in 2025, but missed tackles and inconsistency led to a demotion, and his replacement, Marques Sigle, did not fare much better, though the latter was in his rookie season.
However, it is apparent that the 49ers need to get better at the position, and adding Coby Bryant would do just that.
A certified ball hawk with seven interceptions during the last two seasons, Bryant also brings the pedigree of a physical enforcer against the pass and run.
Pairing Coby Bryant with strong safety Malik Mustapha could be the missing piece needed to take the 49ers' secondary to the next level.
These are the moves I predict the 49ers will make this offseason. Do you agree with me, or is there a move that you feel makes more sense? Comment on what you think below.
Source:
https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/teven-jenkins/41534
