The San Francisco 49ers have had a busy offseason so far. While they lost some key pieces, the 49ers retooled with some veterans that should bolster their roster in 2026.
San Francisco added receiver Mike Evans, receiver Christian Kirk, linebacker Dre Greenlaw and cornerback Nate Hobbs in free agency, re-signed kicker Eddy Piñeiro and traded for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. All six should be quality starting contributors in 2026 as the 49ers look to make a push for the NFC West title and a Super Bowl run.
ESPN analyst Ben Solak lauded those moves. He ranked the 49ers’ free agent class as the second-best in the NFL this offseason, particularly when it came to the deal for Evans.
This was one of the most team-friendly signings in this free agency period. With only $14 million guaranteed at signing and most of his 2027 and 2028 money tied into option bonuses, the 49ers are committed to Evans for only one season, which would be important should he look completely unplayable in his age-33 season. Far more likely, Evans should fill a valuable role of vertical specialist, third-down stick mover and red zone matchup nightmare.
Remember the short-yardage issues that the Niners endured against the Seahawks’ stifling run defense? Evans is the answer to that. If he’s even 75% of his prime self, the 49ers got an enormous deal on a ring-chasing veteran leader.
Additionally, Solak liked what the Rams did with Odighizuwa (although that was a trade) as well as the additions of Hobbs and Greenlaw.
The Odighizuwa trade was an enormous boon. A third-round pick for a rising 28-year-old with three years of team control at a premium position of massive need? Home run! And the fliers on Hobbs and Greenlaw should be exactly the shot in the arm this defense needs. At worst, they will play rotational roles; at best, they could return to starting form.
I had WR depth questions, too, but in comes Kirk. If the 49ers can just keep Trent Williams in the building for one more year and get full recoveries from Mykel Williams (knee) and Nick Bosa (knee), I’ll be a full believer.
The 49ers aren’t the cream of the crop in the NFC West right now, but it seems like they did enough to stay in contention with the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks for the 2026 season.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: ESPN’s Ben Solak loves the 49ers free agency moves
Reporting by Oliver G., Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
