What should the 49ers address in free agency vs. the draft?

The San Francisco 49ers are in a prime position to upgrade their roster this offseason, having ample cap space and draft capital to make a push in 2026.

Now, they will need to get their affairs in order (namely an extension for Trent Williams), but there should be cap space to make several moves in free agency to bolster the team’s depth.

But there can be overspending when it comes to free agency, where prices for the top free agents are always driven up, so the 49ers will need to make smart investments and continue to build through the draft.

With how the free agency class is shaping out, where should the 49ers look to add in free agency?

Edge Rusher

This is a deep pool of edge rushers in free agency, and there are several names on the open market that make sense for the 49ers.

“Whether it’s an elite playmaker or quality depth, this is a terrific offseason to need help on the edge,” ESPN’s Mike Clay shared recently. “Trey Hendrickson is the best overall free agent available, and if you miss out on him, Jaelan Phillips, Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Cameron Jordan, Odafe Oweh, Jadeveon Clowney, Boye Mafe and Dre’Mont Jones are among the many quality fallback options. Recently released Bradley Chubb and Mike Danna just add to the depth, and there will certainly be more notable cuts to come.”

There are older options, younger options, proven options, and versatile options that could all fit the 49ers well. With Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, and Bryce Huff in the fold for 2025, the 49ers have some depth, but adding another piece or two for pass-rushing juice would go a long way.

Wide Receiver

I’ve long been a proponent of drafting wide receivers and prioritizing them early in the draft. It’s a position where having a rookie contract has been extremely beneficial. Contracts have skyrocketed, and there’s plenty of talent coming out of the draft every year now.

But the 49ers need a proven veteran receiver this offseason, especially if Jauan Jennings leaves. Currently, their wide receivers on the roster for 2026 are Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson, Jacob Cowing, Jordan Watkins, Malik Turner, Colton Dowell, and Junior Bergen.

The 49ers are hoping that Cowing and Watkins can step up and be more productive in 2025, but you can’t rely on them after the injury issues of the last two years. Robinson underwhelmed in his first year with San Francisco and is more of a depth option.

So if Jennings leaves, adding another piece (such as Romeo Doubs?) in free agency eases the need to overdraft a receiver in April.

Interior Defensive Line

The 49ers looked to add everywhere on the defensive line in the draft last year, taking Mykel Williams in the first round before doubling up on tackles with Alfred Collins (second round) and C.J. West (fourth round).

The latter two players should play key roles for the 49ers in 2025, and Williams can slide inside. But the 49ers need a veteran tackle, preferably one who can pass rush, to complement the two second-year pros.

The top option is John Franklin-Myers, but he may command too big a deal for the 49ers’ liking. Other options include Sheldon Rankins, D.J. Reader, Logan Hall, David Onyemata (a Falcon), and others.

The 49ers could go out and draft another player here. But, given what they did last offseason, it makes sense to fill the void with a free agent signee.