Are the 49ers officially back to contender status?
Have the Niners positioned themselves to be contenders in 2026?
SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 17: Head Coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers on the field before the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on January 17, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 41-6. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) | Getty Images The San Francisco 49ers have started the offseason strong, nailing a number of needs early in free agency, with former Tampa Bay Buccaneers star being the most notable addition so far.
The 49ers got strong value on that deal, which reports suggest amounts to essentially a one-year, $14 million signing with option bonuses for 2027 and 2028. While Evans is coming off a year with multiple injuries, that contract is worth it for a player of his caliber, given the 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons he had prior to 2025. But that wasn’t the only key signing.
The 49ers brought back Dre Greenlaw on a one-year deal. They added receiver depth with Christian Kirk. They signed a swing tackle in Vederian Lowe.
They brought back special teamers Luke Gifford and Eddy Piniero. And they brought in Nate Hobbs for cornerback depth. Not to mention, they traded for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa.