標籤: 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers returned last season after missing the playoffs in 2024. Their resurgence now leads many to believe that coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have once again assembled a Super Bowl contender.

Yet, as we have seen time and time again, injuries can be a major factor in the overall success and/or failure of a team. At the same time, there are still some areas, like the interior offensive line, that have room for improvement.

Recently, ESPN’s Matt Bowen suggested that the 49ers are the “best team fit” for unsigned free agent offensive guard Kevin Zeitler. The 36-year-old one-time Pro Bowler spent last season with the Tennessee Titans, where he started 16 games. Also, last year’s starting left guard Spencer Burford has signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.

Whether the 49ers still feel like Zeitler has something left in the tank remains to be seen. He has played for three different teams over the past three seasons, but he earned his only Pro Bowl nomination in 2023 with the Baltimore Ravens.

If signed, the 49ers will soon have the NFL’s oldest starting offensive tackle in 38-year-old Trent Williams and oldest starting offensive guard in Zeitler. Still, they will certainly not be short on experience, having each made more than 200 starts.

RELATED: Colts Release Pro Bowl CB Kenny Moore After 4 Landing Spots

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Philadelphia Eagles star receiver AJ Brown leaving Philly seems less like an “if” and more like a ticking game clock. And once he hits the trade block, half the league will be lining up to play. Even after watching Brown burn on the game’s biggest stage, the Kansas City Chiefs and Andy Reid would clearly love to add that kind of firepower to the offense.

Talk of Casey potentially making a move for the Browns has intensified, and on paper, it looks like a cheat code. But that’s probably where the discussion of fantasy football should stop. Reid has built the Chiefs into a dynasty by leaning into a team-first culture, maximizing players’ roles and keeping the locker room ego-free. Putting a high-maintenance alpha receiver in that system could spoil the chemistry that has helped Kansas City stack up to Lombardi.

Patrick Mahomes could get a massive WR upgrade if Chiefs hire AJ Brown

SportsBoom’s NFL insider Jason La Canfora listed the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers and Jacksonville Jaguars as potential trade destinations for AJ Brown.

“For example, the Chiefs were tied to several top receivers going into the draft,” La Canfora noted, “but instead they spent the first two days solidifying Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.”

Still, Casey adding a true WR1 makes a lot of sense. The Chiefs are trying to get back into full dynasty mode, and this could be Travis Kelce’s final trip to the Hall of Fame. Additionally, Kansas City will want to take some pressure off Patrick Mahomes as he tries to recover from ACL and LCL injuries he suffered last December.

Brown may no longer be the shiny new rookie, but the man still moves the chains like few receivers in football. He’s physical, explosive and ridiculously reliable — exactly the kind of weapon that can turn Mahomes’ offense into a weekly fireworks show. Right now, Rashee Rice is the only proven wideout on the depth chart. Xavier Worthy, Tyquan Thornton and rookie Cyrus Allen still have a lot to prove before anyone can crown them reliable playmakers. The addition of a battle-tested star like Brown immediately raises KC’s ceiling.

Meanwhile, in Philly, the writing is beginning to appear on the wall. The Browns reportedly want out after contract talks with the Philadelphia Eagles stalled, and the team drafting top receiver Makai Lemon has only fueled trade discussions. With Devonta Smith already locked in as a cornerstone piece, Brown suddenly looks a lot more dynamic than untouchable.

If the San Francisco 49ers thought their patience with Brandon Aiyuk would soon turn into a trade, a new report explains why they’re fooling themselves.

After the 2023 season, it looked like Aiyuk was going to become one of the top stars in the NFL and one of the faces of the 49ers roster. Boy, it seems like a long time ago. In the two years since his breakout season, the relationship between team and receiver has been downright dramatic.

First, he was late to the start of the 2024 season because he was holding out for a new long-term contract. He got it, but then he tore his ACL seven games into that campaign. Yet, instead of taking the field last season, Aiyuk sat out the entire 2025 season due to ongoing differences with the organization. That made divorce a guarantee this offseason.

However, rather than trade the talented but problematic receiver and move on, general manager John Lynch is under the impression that if he is patient, he will find a team that would be willing to give Aiyuk something rather than lose him for nothing. Well, it looks like that’s not going to happen, and according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, Lynch just needs to pull the trigger on his release.

Graziano says the 49ers may choose to wait a few more months and hope a team becomes desperate. But considering the financial cost and draft pick value, no team is going to waste any money on a deal when they can get him for a much lower price with a little patience.

If the 49ers are looking petty, they may have to wait well into the preseason to finally cut the 28-year-old.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The San Francisco 49ers are no strangers to adding impact players, whether it be in free agency, through the NFL Draft, or via trade. We’ve already seen 49ers general manager John Lynch spend big on signing Mike Evans to a three-year, $42 million contract. They also made a deal for a new starting defensive tackle, Osa Odighizuwa.

Overall, the 49ers have assembled a group of consistent star players on offense and defense. Now, another former Pro Bowl player would like to join the fray.

on Tuesday’s appearance up and adams showFree agent linebacker Kyle Van Noy revealed that he would “really love to play with the Niners with my little brother, Fred Warner.”

“I think they’ve got something cooking in there,” Van Noy said. “I know they like Joey Bosa because of Nick and all that. I get that, but I would love to play with my little brother. That’s my boy, and I think they’ve got something cooking there.”

While Van Noy is a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, he is also now 35 years old. Nevertheless, he played in 15 games with the Baltimore Ravens last season, recording 20 tackles, two sacks, one interception and four pass deflections.

In 2024, Van Noy recorded a career-high 12.5 sacks, resulting in his first and only Pro Bowl season. Perhaps the 49ers, or another team, still feel that Van Noy can be an impact player on their defense; We already know how he feels.

RELATED: San Francisco 49ers may trade recent draft pick

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Now that the dust is settling on the 2026 NFL Draft class, the San Francisco 49ers’ roster is starting to come into focus. For a team that fell out of the first round, the 49ers have taken a lot of heat for their eight-man draft class. Still, when general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan put together the team’s final 53-man roster, there could be tough decisions to be made with some of those selections.

One of the players drafted by the 49ers was Indiana running back Kellon Black in the third round with the 90th overall pick. Could his arrival herald the departure of another recent 49ers draft pick?

recently, athletic49ers insider Vic Tafur suggested that running back Isaac Guerredo “looks like he’s buried (on the depth chart) and will look for a new team.” Tafur doesn’t suggest the 49ers will trade Guerrando, but we’d imagine a respectable offer would get a deal done.

The 49ers selected Guerredo in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 129th overall selection. He started three games as a rookie and participated in 16 overall, recording 420 yards and four touchdowns on 84 attempts. But last year, he appeared in 14 games and didn’t get any carries. As Tafur said, he’s been buried, and Black’s arrival won’t make Guerando’s life in the RB room any easier.

The 49ers have starter Christian McCaffrey and backups Jordan James, Black, Guerando, Patrick Taylor Jr. and Sean McCormick. While McCaffrey is the team’s workhorse, the 49ers are looking for another back who can relieve their All-Pro weapons, and they may be ready to admit that Guerando isn’t the solution they were looking for.

RELATED: San Francisco 49ers linked to Pro Bowl pass rusher

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A new rumor has opened the door for the San Francisco 49ers or Kansas City Chiefs to land a Pro Bowl-level wide receiver, which they could actually use tonight during Round 1 of the NFL Draft.

Heading into this week’s NFL Draft, there has been an unusual amount of trade-related talk. With this year’s quarterback class being weak, teams ranked in the top 10 are more willing to trade down and acquire more draft assets this year or next.

However, there have also been reports of teams without a first rounder trying to get a selection tonight, or teams trying to add another pick late in Round 1. The Jacksonville Jaguars are a part of that group, and they’re clearly hanging on to a player they took late in Round 1 two years ago in order to make the selection on Thursday.

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, “The Jaguars could try to lay the groundwork for a potential trade in the bottom of the first round. A potential lure could include receiver Brian Thomas Jr.”

An opportunity emerges for the 49ers or Chiefs to trade Brian Thomas Jr. tonight

There are four teams with late picks in Round 1 who would be interesting to see give up their selection for a one-time Pro Bowl. Those franchises are the San Francisco 49ers (Pick 27), Kansas City Chiefs (Pick 29), Buffalo Bills (Pick 26), and New England Patriots (Pick 31).

The Chiefs targeting Thomas Jr. makes sense as they also have the ninth pick on Thursday night, and are in desperate need of a legitimate receiver. In Kansas City, Thomas could bring the Chiefs’ offense back to the dominant power it was at the beginning of their dynasty.

With Brandon Aiyuk’s future in San Francisco in jeopardy, the 49ers giving up their only first-rounder for Thomas Jr. would be a smart decision. They might be waiting for this perfect opportunity before officially releasing the receiver.

The Bills and Patriots both have fits for Thomas Jr. However, a pair of AFC East teams heavily linked to an AJ Brown trade may hold their pick and wait until the Philadelphia Eagles star officially hits the open market, which is rumored to be after June 1.

Available after 2025, Thomas Jr. has shown he is not a good fit for head coach Liam Coen’s attack. In his rookie season, he earned Pro Bowl honors (1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns) and has a very affordable contract for the next two years.

After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

The 2026 NFL Draft is fast approaching with the start of the first round on April 23, and San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch is busy taking trade calls. This is nothing new, as Lynch is often negotiating deals, whether it’s a new contract for Trent Williams, examining trade costs for other playmakers, or evaluating if he should trade one of his own contracts.

As the 49ers are preparing for the draft, Lynch took time to address local media, where he asked various questions related to the draft and the players who have been the subject of trade rumors throughout the off-season.

When it comes to former second-team All-Pro receiver Brandon Aiyuk, Lynch admitted he doesn’t think there’s a “high chance” he’ll be traded this week. However he acknowledged there is still a chance the team will trade Aiyuk, depending on what teams are willing to offer.

Lynch also said that the 49ers have had trade discussions with specific teams about a potential trade, but of course, he did not say which teams have registered interest. The Washington Commanders are the team most linked to Aiyuk, and their connection with Aiyuk’s college QB at Arizona State, Jayden Daniels, could help a deal.

For now, Aiyuk is set to enter the second season of a four-year, $120 million contract, where he has a $16.6 million cap hit for 2026. Some believe this is too rich for a player who did not play a single snap last season. Yet others, including the 49ers, think Aiyuk can still be a highly productive player if he can stay healthy.

RELATED: San Francisco 49ers may be ready to trade recent draft pick

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

In less than a week, San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch will be busy adding youth to his roster through the 2026 NFL Draft. But the 49ers only have six selections, no selections in the third round, and zero selections after the fourth round. San Francisco doesn’t even pick until No. 27.

Still, Lynch will have options to add to his draft capital. This may include considering business declines. Or, possibly trading one of the players on their roster, such as Brandon Aiyuk, or a recent draft pick.

Recently, ESPN’s 49ers insider Nick Wagner reported that San Francisco could be open to dealing cornerback Renardo Green, who is the 64th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. While other teams may be inquiring about the 25-year-old cornerback, San Francisco may still be confident in his long-term prospects.

“One name that has been linked to the trade market in free agency for the San Francisco 49ers this year is cornerback Renardo Green,” Wagner said on ESPN.com. “But despite potential trade discussion coming from the outside, both Shanahan and general manager John Lynch said there was nothing to it. The team did not want to trade Green, and they still believe he has a bright future in San Francisco. It’s worth noting that Green is entering an important third year. He’s a former second-round pick, so this will be his first opportunity to potentially sign a contract extension after this season. The Niners need him to make fewer mental errors. Will need a bounce-back year. I want to keep him for a long time.

The 49ers could use more playmakers in the secondary, yet they may have one lying in the weeds in Green. Many players make the jump to a third year after two full offseasons in the NFL. Perhaps Green is in line for a similar increase in production under 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. Based on Wagner’s report, the 49ers plan to find out if there is a trade offer that is too good to refuse.

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

Shanahan not thrilled about Australia opener

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan made it clear on Monday that he is not at all overreacting to the NFL’s decision to start the 2026 season in Australia.

Speaking at the league owners meeting in Phoenix, Shanahan was asked about the historic matchup against the division rival Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne on September 10.

“I don’t see any professionals,” he told reporters.

Now, to be clear, he’s coming at this from a coach’s perspective. And football players and coaches alike have often expressed approval for the exclusivity of international games and the opportunity they give them to experience new things, while also stating very clearly that it is not good in terms of the quality of the game. Or for the team moving forward.

Shanahan echoed those widespread sentiments. He acknowledged that the game is “good for the league to play globally” and “wonderful” for international fans to get a taste of NFL action. Nevertheless, he still does not see any positive benefits for his team.

He said, “But as far as the team is concerned in doing this, there is no special benefit in it.” “Sometimes it’s nice to have a bye after a week, but not in the first week.”

Highlights from Kyle Shanahan’s press conference today:

• Kyle feels good about where the roster is. Says it’s definitely been a better offseason than last year

• He is not a fan of the 49ers playing in Australia

• They’re in no rush to release Brandon Aiyuk. Keep hope… pic.twitter.com/Eg659RocVN

– Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) 30 March 2026

Yeah, they’re not giving bye week after week. MLB usually gives its opening day game participants a short break after playing the first game of the season. But taking a day off in a 162-game schedule is a lot different than what the NFL would have to do if it gave a Week 2 bye.

The 49ers will face a grueling 14-hour flight and significant time-zone juggling for a 10:35 a.m. local kick-off in Melbourne.

Needless to say, Americans forget such early games. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard friends ask, ‘Was there any play today?’ After one regular season game in the UK.

Read more:

Shanahan’s sarcasm during a discussion of travel logistics for the game immediately hit the charts.

“Oh, very excited. So, are we going back in time or into the future? I guess we gain a day or lose a day? Not sure yet which, but it is what it is,” he joked before noting very seriously, “We’ll deal with it.”

This is something they will have to deal with if they want to maintain some momentum from last season.

The 49ers posted a solid 12–5 record last season and finished third in the stacked NFC West. After missing the playoffs the previous year, they returned to the postseason and earned a wild card win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

But their run ended with a lopsided loss in the divisional round to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.

Heading into 2026, expectations remain high for Shanahan’s team as they look to build on last year’s resiliency, stay healthy, and take advantage of key stars like Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffrey and Nick Bosa, as well as key additions like veteran wide receiver Mike Evans.

Will they get the year off to the right start with a win in Australia?

Rusty Weis is a lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Dallas Cowboys and Xavier Musketeers. He has been writing professionally… More about Rusty Weiss

The San Francisco 49ers have been troubled by injuries over the years, always losing many of their top players and reserves to soft-tissue injuries and other issues. This led to a conspiracy theory regarding a nearby electrical substation and resulted in an investigation by the team.

Speaking to reporters over the weekend, 49ers general manager John Lynch said the franchise had paid for an independent investigation of the conspiracy theory. The process included hiring a scientist with “over 45 years of experience studying electromagnetic fields and their effects” to determine whether the theory had any merit.

“”It was basically a huge burger. We are safe at work. …It’s a normal place to work. This is a normal gym. We’re safe, we’re healthy, and we feel really good about it.

San Francisco 49ers GM John Lynch on substation conspiracy theory (via ESPN)

RELATED: San Francisco 49ers GM cast doubts over big move

The team allowed the scientist, whose identity was not disclosed, to go through the entire facility using “lab-grade equipment” to obtain electromagnetic output readings around any areas occupied by players.

The scientist’s readings showed that the level was 400 times below the limit of “unsafe working environment” for a person. ^{Additionally, it was determined that the level of exposure at team headquarters was “typical” of what you would find in the workplace or a gym. In fact, according to the investigation, players may be getting higher exposure levels from microwave ovens or vacuum cleaners at home.}

Fans and online skeptics weren’t the only ones questioning the team over the potential risks of being so close to a Silicon Valley Power Mission substation. All-Pro tight end George Kittle and fullback Kyle Juszczyk heard about the conspiracy theory with their colleagues and inquired with the team about the potential risks.

With that theory scientifically debunked, the likely reason for the high rate of injuries for the team is more likely to be the number of playoff games competed in under Kyle Shanahan and his practice style. The 49ers will continue to try and find ways to preserve the health of their players, but it’s safe to assume there will still be jokes and perhaps more conviction in the Substation conspiracy if another star player gets hurt.

Matt Johnson is the senior NFL and college football editor for Sportsknot. His work including the weekly NFL and college… More about Matt Johnson

The San Francisco 49ers have been busy adding impact players on both sides of the ball this offseason. On offense, potential future Hall of Fame receiver Mike Evans is the headliner. On defense, it’s Osa Odighizuwa, an $80 million defensive tackle.

Still, rumors have continued to link the 49ers to an even bigger addition on defense. Then what is the hindrance?

On Sunday, 49ers general manager John Lynch addressed popular rumors of the 49ers signing Joey Bosa to pair with his brother, Nick, in San Francisco. Only, the GM suggests the 49ers may not be able to afford him.

“I know Mama Bosa would love it, but I don’t know if we can afford it,” Lynch said, via Matt Barrows of TheAthletic.com.

It is not known what the asking price of Bosa is in the open market. However since he is unsigned and not officially linked to any team other than the 49ers, it’s possible his agent is asking for too much. In fact, Lynch’s comments may have been his attempt to take down Bosa’s market. Whether or not this will actually work remains to be seen, but it never hurts to try.

Bosa, 30, spent last season with the Bills, where he recorded five sacks and an NFL-high five forced fumbles in 15 starts. He hasn’t had a double-digit sack season since 2021, yet he achieved Pro Bowl status in 2024, his final season with the Chargers.

With 77 sacks in 10 seasons, it shouldn’t take long for Bosa to find another opportunity. But as Lynch indicated, he may have to lower his asking price first.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: End of March edition

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

Can Nick and Joey Bosa finally end up on the same sideline? This could be the year it actually happens. The San Francisco 49ers have already made a splash in NFL free agency, locking up future Hall of Fame wideout Mike Evans on a three-year deal. They’ve also added some depth, but there’s still work to be done—especially on defense.

One position that suddenly looks thin is edge rusher. With Bryce Huff calling it a career this week, the position opposite Nick Bosa was dealt a blow. So why not keep it in the family? Joey Bosa is still sitting on the free-agent market.

However, there is one reason teams are hesitant—availability. Injuries have been a frequent hindrance, and Bosa has never gone through a full 17-game NFL season in his career.

Fans are debating whether the Bosa brothers pass-rush duo will dominate the NFL

NFL rumors abounded this week with talk of Joey Bosa potentially signing with the 49ers. Naturally, NFL fans wasted no time in jumping into the conversation.

One fan immediately questioned whether there would even be a reunion this season, writing,“Isn’t Nick on IR?”

The other dropped a brutal take, “Wow! Now there will be enough Bosa to play all 17 games!”

An Eagles fan said in a relieved voice: “Excellent because I definitely didn’t want him in Philadelphia.”

Meanwhile, another fan liked the idea of ​​a reunion, posting, “The league actually let the San Francisco 49ers reunite the Bosa brothers… good luck to every offensive line.”

And yes, someone did a reality check: “LOL! It doesn’t matter if they both take turns getting hit or just get hit on IR together! LOL”

From a financial perspective, this move is not out of the question. San Francisco still has some wiggle room under the salary cap, especially after restructuring Nick Bosa’s contract earlier this offseason. The adjustment reportedly freed up approximately $17.2 million in cap space for the 2026 season, giving the front office enough room to at least explore a Bosa deal.

Analysts believe that border flexibility is one of the main reasons why the reunion of the Bosa brothers in the Bay Area could indeed become a reality.

Still, there’s one main reason why Joy remains on the market: durability. Recurring hamstring problems have haunted him in recent seasons, and the injury history may be why many teams are hesitant to pull the trigger in free agency.

If that happens, it would also be a rare NFL moment. Despite the long history of the league, it is unusual to see two brothers playing for the same team. One of the most recent examples came in 2020, when TJ Watt and Derek Watt shared the field with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft After NFL Free Agency Negotiation Window

NFL front offices have been at it all week as the new league year officially kicked off on Wednesday, awarding a staggering $5.83 billion in contracts, with nearly $2.3 billion agreed to in the first eight hours of negotiations. It’s safe to say the general manager came out swinging.

The market has cooled off a bit since the initial buzz, but many influential players are still sitting on the board waiting for their next snap. One of the biggest names still looking for a new home is Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr.

Samuel stepped in as Washington’s top target last season while Terry McLaurin battled injuries, making 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns. He also gained 75 rushing yards and another score, although that rushing total marked a career low in seasons where he played at least eight games.

Nevertheless, Deebo is still one of the league’s most versatile offensive weapons – a true “wide back” who can line up anywhere and stress the defense in a variety of ways. So where might he land next? Here are the five teams that make the most sense for Samuel in free agency.

denver broncos

The Denver Broncos have been one of the quietest teams so far on the free agency wire. In fact, they are the only NFL team that did not sign any outside free agents during Week 1, which has certainly raised some eyebrows around the league. But maybe Sean Payton is waiting to get his shot.

For years, people around the NFL have tried to connect Deebo Samuel to Payton’s offense. Now, for the first time, that pairing is actually possible. Payton has long talked about wanting a weapon that can do it all, that can line up anywhere, move through formation and handle pressure on defenses on every single snap. Deebo’s name may also be mentioned in that description.

san francisco 49ers

Who says you can’t run it back? A reunion with the San Francisco 49ers suddenly doesn’t seem so crazy. San Francisco has some serious question marks in the wide receiver room heading into the 2026 season. Brandon Aiyuk’s time with the team appears to be over, Javon Jennings is testing free agency, and Ricky Pearsall still hasn’t been able to stay healthy.

On top of that, the offense could be without George Kittle, who is dealing with an Achilles injury that could sideline him for a large portion of the 2026 campaign. That leaves a lot of firepower for Kyle Shanahan’s offense. A return to the Gulf would make a lot of sense. Samuel already knows Shanahan’s system inside and out, and he has built a strong chemistry with Brock Purdy from their previous stints in San Francisco.

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens could reload their pass-catching group this offseason. If that happens, Baltimore will need another dynamic weapon in the passing game – and Samuel fits the bill perfectly. Samuel would give the Ravens a versatile chess piece who can line up in the slot, outside, or even take snaps out of the backfield.

While Zay Flowers will still lead the receiving corps, Samuel could quickly take on a major role and become one of Lamar Jackson’s favorite playmakers. And honestly, Deebo feels just like a raven. His bruising, physical style – whether he’s breaking tackles as a receiver or lowering his shoulder on designed runs – fits perfectly into Baltimore’s smash-mouth identity.

new England Patriots

The New England Patriots are in need of a reliable wide receiver, making Samuel an obvious target if they want to add some firepower. Samuel, like Stefon Diggs, would slide well as a do-everything weapon in the Patriots’ offense, and would be a perfect fit for Drake Mays. Imagine the situation if New England took out Deebo Samuel and Romeo Doubs on the same field.

kansas city chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have needs in the passing game. Sure, they still have Travis Kelce, but Patrick Mahomes could definitely use another dynamic weapon on the outside. This is where Samuel comes in. Kansas City has quietly emerged as an interesting landing spot for the veteran playwright. Samuel’s ability to line up in the slot or even take handoffs out of the backfield seems tailor-made for Andy Reid’s playbook. Reed likes versatile weapons he can move around formations, and Samuel will give the Chiefs a more gadget-style threat that can turn short touches into pieces.

The first week of NFL free agency was complete chaos. Deals were flying left and right, with trades, surprise signings and roster shakeups happening faster than fans could refresh their timelines. The Bay Area is feeling the same stir as the San Francisco 49ers work on reshaping their roster for the 2026 season.

San Francisco is already active on the open market and is bringing in veteran wide receiver Mike Evans to add offense, as well as reuniting with linebacker Dre Greenlaw. The front office added more depth up front, signing offensive linemen Wedarian Lowe and Brett Toth to strengthen the trenches.

But it’s not just about additions. The 49ers have also seen several departures as the organization continues to realign the roster and approach their salary cap heading into the new season. And now, Santa Clara’s latest move involves a big front office decision regarding star pass rusher Nick Bosa.

San Francisco 49ers restructure Nick Bosa’s contract

NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reports on the Ax that the 49ers have reworked Nick Bosa’s contract, freeing up $17.172 million in cap space for the 2026 season. Despite the restructuring, Bosa is still set to make $23.18 million this year, while his 2027 cap hit now increases to $54,866,753.

The move comes at an interesting time for San Francisco’s defensive front.

Earlier this offseason, edge rusher Bryce Huff shocked the league by announcing his retirement at just 27 years old. Huff, who joined the 49ers via trade in 2025, departs after a six-year NFL career that included 24 sacks and 108 total tackles. His sudden exit leaves the 49ers thin in their pass-rush rotation and removes a key edge option opposite Bosa.

With Huff no longer in the picture, the 49ers created some financial relief by restructuring Bosa’s deal — a move that could prompt more roster moves as the front office reshapes the defensive line.

Could Nick Bosa reunite with Joey Bosa in San Francisco?

Bosa has been the anchor of San Francisco’s defense since the team selected him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. He made an immediate impact, winning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, and later solidified himself as one of the league’s most dominant pass rushers by earning Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2022.

Interestingly, the 49ers were also viewed as a potential landing spot for Joey Bosa last season before he ultimately signed with the Buffalo Bills.

Now back on the market after finishing the 2025 season with five sacks and 54 pressures — ranked 24th among edge defenders with at least 100 pass-rush snaps, according to PFF — Spotrac estimates his market value is around $13.7 million per year.

If San Francisco were to make a move for Joey Bosa, the veteran could help ease some of the workload from Leonard Williams, handling early-down snaps on the defensive end while allowing the 2025 first-rounder to kick inside more often and focus on rushing the passer.

Before the offseason began, it felt like a foregone conclusion that the San Francisco 49ers would consider trading Mac Jones to capitalize on his newfound value. After all, the 49ers were able to get the 2021 first-round pick under contract to a two-year deal last offseason worth just $4.2 million per season.

Jones probably played the best football of his life in San Francisco, leading the 49ers to a 5–3 record while Brock Purdy was injured. With Jones now entering the final year of his contract, many felt the 49ers would trade away the 27-year-old.

Then, the 49ers’ front office started talking about how much they value Jones as a quality backup to Purdy. After all, they found themselves relying heavily on Jones last season, and he was a key part of their comeback run to the postseason. They don’t want to just give up on the QB, even if it’s a big opportunity for his career.

Thus, reports began to surface indicating that zero teams have inquired about trading for Jones. Others suggested that the 49ers might have spooked teams by asking for a second-day draft pick in exchange for Jones, who would have come with only one year of protection.

Now, athleticThe latest report from Diana Russini reveals exactly why teams are shying away from a Jones trade. Russini indicated that “a few teams” have called the 49ers about trading for Jones. Still, those interested have described the 49ers’ asking price as “astronomical.”

However she was not able to detail what the trade costs might be. Still, when other former Pro Bowl quarterbacks can be found at an even lower rate than Jones, it’s not hard to see why teams might not want to part with precious draft compensation. If the 49ers want to trade Jones, they will either have to lower their asking price or expect the team to be extremely desperate to miss out on their top target.

RELATED: Las Vegas Raiders ‘expect’ to target veteran Pro Bowl quarterback

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has worked with many outstanding players in his career. Many of them are either in the conversation or on track for the Hall of Fame. 49ers general manager John Lynch has added another to the mix.

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the 49ers have signed wide receiver Mike Evans to a three-year contract. The same Evans who is tied with Jerry Rice as the only players with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.

Even leaving the Buccaneers is a blow for Evans after spending all 12 seasons of his career in Tampa Bay. Still, the consequences of free agency can be strange, like Tom Brady leaving New England. Still, Evans takes his Super Bowl trophy from Tampa to San Francisco, where he will try to assemble another elite core to help increase his franchise’s Lombardi count.

When the time comes, we look forward to celebrating Mike’s final Hall of Fame career. pic.twitter.com/ZfaDqVqGAT

– Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) 9 March 2026

The 32-year-old six-time Pro Bowl receiver is coming off the least productive season of his career, as a collarbone fracture limited him to just eight games. He recorded 30 receptions for 368 yards and three touchdowns.

Still, Evans brings 13,052 yards and 108 touchdowns to San Francisco. The potential future Hall of Famer is 21st on the NFL’s all-time receiving yards list. Another 1,000-yard season would move Evans to 12th all-time, just ahead of Hall of Famers James Lofton and Chris Carter.

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Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

There are changes coming to the San Francisco 49ers’ roster this offseason. Especially involving their receiving corps.

Whether it’s via release or trade, the 49ers have already revealed that former second-team All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has played his last snap with the team. Another top target, Jauan Jennings, is set for free agency. Three others, including Kendrick Bourne and Sky Moore, also will not be under contract next season.

However, recently Rick Stroud’s Tampa Bay Times There have been suggestions that the 49ers could be one of the teams that tries to sign Mike Evans. Nevertheless, he also mentioned that the Chargers, Commanders and Giants could also be in pursuit of a potential future Hall of Famer.

Evans has played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers his entire 12-year career. He has recorded 1,000-yard seasons in 11 of those years, with that cut short in 2025 after being limited to eight games due to injury. Evans and Hall of Fame veteran Jerry Rice are the only two players to have 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in their careers.

Now, the 32-year-old six-time Pro Bowler is looking to prove that he is still capable of being a top target, and the 49ers can certainly make him the focal point of their offense. First, they have to get ahead of the competition.

RELATED: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 projections ahead of NFL free agency

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

There are definitely changes coming to the San Francisco 49ers’ roster this offseason. The team has already acknowledged that Brandon Aiyuk’s days with the 49ers are over, but they have not announced any transaction yet.

Meanwhile, if the 49ers can’t reach a contract settlement soon, they could be preparing to say goodbye to All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams. But not only this.

There has also been a lot of talk this offseason about a possible trade of Mac Jones, but the 49ers aren’t ready to declare him a goner. However, the 49ers have indicated that they would prefer to retain Jones, who only has one year left on his contract.

However recently, 49ers general manager John Lynch admitted that the 49ers are willing to listen to a trade offer for the Pro Bowl QB. But he also warned other general managers that the 49ers would need a “fairly strong” offer to trade with him.

“He’s really good to us, and we value him.” Lynch said. “So somebody has to come up with something strong enough for our idea. And then I don’t know what we do. Obviously, there’s always something that will make you [do it]But I think we’re a better team with him and we like having him around.”

Teams are always looking for their next starting quarterback. The 49ers feel they have a franchise QB in Purdy, as well as a starting-caliber backup in Jones. Still, they can now take advantage of Jones’ superior value and pair it with another contributor if they get the draft compensation they want.

RELATED: San Francisco 49ers may part ways with All-Pro after contract standoff

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

As many predicted, the San Francisco 49ers bounced back and returned to the playoffs this season. Still, as general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan know, nothing is guaranteed from year to year.

The changes are sure to impact the 49ers again. They could also trade a Pro Bowl player who contributed heavily to their success in 2025.

While offseason discussions so far indicate that the 49ers do not want to trade Mac Jones, who led the team to a 5-3 record this season. That mindset can change.

according to athletic“Stars may align” for 49ers to trade Matt Barrows, Jones.

“Still, circumstances are shaping up to make it an offer that may be hard to refuse.”

Several teams may be interested in taking a gamble on Jones becoming the starting quarterback. It helps that Jones has spent a season mastering Kyle Shanahan’s playbook, and many teams run a similar offense.

Barrows estimates that teams that might be interested in trading for the former first-round pick include the Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings.

The Cardinals just hired Mike LaFleur, who spent four seasons coaching under Shanahan in San Francisco. Dolphins offensive coordinator Bobby Slovic spent six seasons coaching under Shanahan. Meanwhile, the Vikings use concepts in Shanahan’s offense that Kevin O’Connell has adopted over the years.

Any of the three teams would make sense if the price is right this offseason. But the 49ers also have to be willing to listen.

RELATED: 5 Best Mike Evans Free Agency Landing Spots

Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ