The 2025 offseason was a painful one for the 49ers with several key names leaving the Bay Area. A quick look ahead to the 2026 offseason shows a much easier path ahead for San Francisco with only a few exceptions.
WR Jauan Jennings
RT Colton McKivitz
We highlighted some of the potential difficulties that could come with retaining McKivitz if he continues improving after his strong 2025 performance. San Francisco may find themselves in the same place they were with Mike McGlinchey in 2023 where his market outpaced what the 49ers could or would pay their starting right tackle. The problem for the 49ers is left tackle Trent Williams could hang up his pads next year and open a gaping hole on quarterback Brock Purdy’s blind side. Replacing Williams is going to require big-time assets. McKivitz’s exit in free agency would also mean using significant financial figures or draft capital to replace him. Whether McKivitz returns could depend less on his performance and more on his cost.
OL Spencer Burford
This isn’t a huge name, but Burford could prove to be an important piece of the 49ers’ offensive line this season. He’s at least in line to be their top reserve who can fill in at either guard spot or left tackle. He may also wind up winning the starting left guard job and putting himself in line for a pretty significant raise in 2026. San Francisco hasn’t invested much in its offensive line depth during Kyle Shanahan’s tenure as head coach. If Burford starts or plays significant snaps and performs well, he could quickly enter an area of the market the 49ers aren’t willing to play in for a starting guard or reserve OL.
DL Jordan Elliott
It’s easy to imagine the 49ers retaining Elliott given how their recent defensive line teardown went. They want to get younger in that group, and they don’t want to have any bloated contracts. Elliott’s experience could make him valuable for the young San Francisco D-line. If he starts and puts together a strong 2025 season, the 49ers may have to retain him to avoid needing to use more draft capital on the interior of the defensive line.
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