The San Francisco 49ers are already looking ahead to the 2026 season, and with less than 130 days until kickoff, the buzz is building across the league. Here’s your daily roundup of the latest headlines, from draft intrigue to roster projections and potential trade targets.
Why the Seahawks Expected the 49ers to Pick a Running Back – and What It Means for Christian McCaffrey
In a fascinating twist from draft weekend, the Seattle Seahawks reportedly anticipated the 49ers would target a running back with the No. 33 pick. According to ESPN’s Brady Henderson, Seattle had “concern” that San Francisco might snag Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price, which led them to select him at No. 32. The intrigue deepens with new Seahawks offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, who spent seven seasons with the 49ers—most recently as run-game coordinator—giving him insider knowledge of Kyle Shanahan’s backfield approach.
This move is especially telling given Christian McCaffrey’s age (turning 30 soon) and the 49ers’ apparent draft priorities, which seemed to focus on edge rusher, wide receiver, guard, safety, and offensive tackle. Yet, San Francisco still invested a late third-round pick in Indiana’s Kaelon Black, signaling they’re planning for the future beyond McCaffrey.
Matt Maiocco’s 53-Man Roster Projection After the 2026 NFL Draft
With the draft now in the books, analyst Matt Maiocco has released his early 53-man roster projection. A key takeaway: the 49ers didn’t select an offensive lineman until the fourth round, suggesting high confidence in their later pick. That player, Willis, is projected as the starting left guard—though if he’s not ready, the team will lean on options like Jones, Toth, or Colby. It’s a gamble that could pay off if Willis develops quickly, but it also highlights the team’s faith in their current roster.
49ers Named Trade Fit for Pro Bowl Cornerback
As the offseason continues, the 49ers are being floated as a potential landing spot for veteran cornerback Kenny Moore. Moore, who turns 31 in August, played solidly in 2025, allowing an opposing passer rating of just 87.8 in coverage. With the 49ers failing to add a corner early in the draft, a trade for Moore could be a sensible move to shore up the secondary. Whether San Francisco pulls the trigger remains to be seen, but it’s a name to watch as training camp approaches.
Stay tuned for more updates as the 49ers gear up for what promises to be an exciting 2026 season. In the meantime, gear up with the latest 49ers apparel to show your support!