The San Francisco 49ers are sitting pretty with over $70 million in cap space—the most of any NFL team, according to OverTheCap. That’s a major advantage as the final wave of free agency heats up, with teams no longer penalized by the compensatory formula for signing free agents. This explains why several veteran players have lingered on the market nearly two months into the offseason, and some are finally starting to find new homes.
Now, the Niners don’t have to blow through all that cash. They’ve been smart about managing their cap in recent years, carrying money over to future seasons to handle growing contract hits. But with this much flexibility, there’s a real opportunity to upgrade the 2026 roster. So, who still makes sense for San Francisco in free agency?
Let’s start with the offensive line. Mekhi Becton is an intriguing option. After a solid stint at guard for the Philadelphia Eagles two seasons ago, he spent last year with the Los Angeles Chargers. At 6-foot-7 and 363 pounds, he’s a unique athlete who could slide into the left guard role on a short-term, one-year deal. That would give the 49ers a more proven option than what they currently have. Sure, Becton is coming off a rough season marked by injuries and inconsistency, but he’s younger than other veteran guards on the market—a factor that might appeal to San Francisco’s front office.
On the defensive side, the 49ers made a run at Joey Bosa last offseason but lost out to a more lucrative offer from the Buffalo Bills. Could they try again this year? San Francisco added defensive lineman Romello Height in the draft, but giving him time to develop while adding some veteran experience to a young front could pay dividends. A good sign? Bosa stayed healthier than usual in 2025 with the Bills.
Speaking of guards, the top name still available is Joel Bitonio. At 34, he’s another short-term solution at left guard who could be a perfect fit for the 49ers. He’s played in a familiar system during his time in Cleveland and brings a ton of experience to the table—exactly what a team looking to make a playoff push needs.
