The San Francisco 49ers finished the 2025 season with a 12–5 record and an NFC West title. Despite the strong record, the campaign ended with a divisional-round exit that exposed depth concerns. The roster remained competitive thanks to veteran leadership but lacked the explosive efficiency seen in previous years.
Wide receiver production served as the primary weakness in 2025. Due to Brandon Aiyuk’s absence, the offense lacked a vertical threat to stretch opposing defenses. San Francisco ranked 26th in the league in receptions over 20 yards.
Additionally, the offensive tackle position struggled against elite edge rushers. This pressure frequently forced QB Brock Purdy to abandon the pocket early. Addressing the perimeter on both sides of the ball is the immediate priority for the front office. Here’s a list of players the 49ers can target in free agency, which is set to start on March 11.
Top 10 Free Agency Targets For San Francisco 49ers
1. Trey Hendrickson (EDGE, Cincinnati Bengals)
Hendrickson enters the market as one of the best pass rushers available. He tallied 4.0 sacks and 16 combined tackles in just 7 games in an injury-plagued season.
San Francisco’s defensive identity relies on a dominant front four, a unit that struggled immensely last season. Hendrickson provides the high-end production needed to complement a returning Nick Bosa. His presence would immediately reduce the double-teams Bosa faces and restore the 49ers’ ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks without blitzing.
2. Mike Evans (WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Evans completed his 12th consecutive 1,000-yard season in 2024 but faced injury setbacks in 2025. He appeared in 8 games, recording 30 receptions for 368 yards and 3 touchdowns. Despite the reduced volume, his 6’5″ frame remains a great red-zone asset.
The 49ers lacked a physical “X” receiver to win contested catches during their playoff run. Evans offers the veteran reliability and catch-point dominance needed to increase Brock Purdy’s options. He provides a proven scoring threat for an offense that struggled in the red zone late in the year.
3. Jauan Jennings (WR, San Francisco 49ers)
Jennings is the most critical internal free agent for the 49ers to retain. He finished 2025 with 55 receptions for 643 yards and 9 touchdowns in 15 games. He led all San Francisco wideouts in scoring and served as the primary third-down security blanket.
His physical style and elite run-blocking are crucial to Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme. Losing him would leave a massive void in both leadership and situational production. Re-signing Jennings ensures continuity for an offense already facing significant turnover at the skill positions.
4. Alijah Vera-Tucker (OL, New York Jets)
Vera-Tucker returns to free agency after playing 15 games in 2024 and showing continued versatility across the line. He has proven capable of starting at both tackle and guard at a high level. San Francisco’s offensive line allowed 27 sacks in 2025 and struggled with consistency on the right side.
Vera-Tucker has the mobility to play in a zone-blocking system. His ability to play multiple positions provides the front office with vital flexibility. He is a significant upgrade in pass protection for an offense that finished with 4,318 total passing yards.
5. Rashid Shaheed (WR, Seattle Seahawks)
Shaheed finished 2025 with 59 catches for 687 yards and 4 touchdowns across 18 total games. He earned his second Pro Bowl selection and proved to be a high-end deep threat and returner. The 49ers’ offense lacked a vertical element that could consistently stretch opposing safeties.
Shaheed’s 11.6 yards-per-reception average and elite speed would open underneath lanes for McCaffrey. His utility as a return specialist also addresses a special teams unit that lacked potential last season. He brings championship experience following a successful stint in Seattle.
6. Jamel Dean (CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Dean is a physical cornerback who excels in press-man coverage. He played a key role for a Buccaneers defense that faced high volume in 2025. San Francisco’s secondary allowed 4,110 passing yards and struggled against elite speed in the playoffs.
Dean provides the size and length necessary to match up with the NFC West’s top receivers. His presence would allow the 49ers to play more aggressive defensive fronts. He offers a veteran upgrade for a unit that saw several key departures in the previous offseason.
7. Jacob Martin (EDGE, Washington Commanders)
Martin emerged as a productive rotational rusher in 2025. He utilizes a quick first step to disrupt the pocket and fits the “Wide-9” defensive scheme used in San Francisco. The 49ers require cost-effective depth on the edge to support a returning Nick Bosa.
Martin’s ability to win on third downs would help a defense that ranked poorly in 3rd-down conversion rate (40%). He provides a veteran presence that understands the requirements of a high-pressure defensive front. His acquisition would bolster a unit that struggled to produce consistent sacks throughout the year.
8. Breece Hall (RB, New York Jets)
Hall is one of the most explosive dual-threat backs in the league. While McCaffrey had a historic 2025 season, the 49ers need a high-end “1B” to manage the workload. Hall’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield fits the 49ers’ offensive philosophy perfectly.
He provides home-run speed that can turn a routine check-down into a significant gain. Adding Hall would create a versatile backfield rotation that is difficult for any defensive coordinator to match. He ensures the ground game remains elite even when McCaffrey is off the field.
9. Tyler Linderbaum (C, Baltimore Ravens)
Linderbaum is a highly athletic center who anchored one of the league’s most efficient rushing attacks in 2025. His mobility allows him to reach the second level of the defense. San Francisco faced multiple injuries on the interior line, leading to inconsistent rushing lanes for McCaffrey.
Linderbaum provides a long-term solution at a position of high importance. His technical pass-blocking skills would also reduce the internal pressure that frequently disrupted Brock Purdy’s timing in 2025.
10. Jalen Thompson (S, Arizona Cardinals)
Thompson is a reliable, high-tackle safety with experience in the NFC West. He recorded over 90 tackles in 2025 and served as a leader for the Cardinals’ secondary. The 49ers struggled with deep coverage after losing Talanoa Hufanga in free agency.
Thompson provides the range and football IQ needed to prevent explosive plays over the top. His familiarity with divisional opponents makes him an immediate asset in game planning. He offers a veteran hand for a secondary that needs to regain its ball-hawking identity.
