

NFL free agency is off and running, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2026 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts.
The new league year began Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, which means free agents can now officially be signed. Soon after, the Cowboys traded DTOsa Odighizuwato the 49ers for a 2026 third-round pick.
The first round of the 2026 NFL draft begins April 23 on ESPN.
Here's a breakdown of every 2026 NFL free agent signing by theSan Francisco 49ersand how each will impact the upcoming season:
Jump to a top-50 free agent: Mike Evans

Evans has agreed to a three-year deal worth $60.4 million, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
What the signing means:There was never any doubt that the Niners would strongly address wide receiver in free agency. But it's a bit of a surprise that a team that has been prioritizing youth and speed splashed big on a 32-year-old wideout coming off an injury-plagued season in which he played just eight games. Before that, Evans was one of the most consistently productive receivers in league history, posting 11 consecutive seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards to start his career. Evans provides a big red zone target, but with Brandon Aiyuk and (probably) Jauan Jennings on the way out, the 49ers are far from done reshaping their receiver room this offseason.
More: Evans' fit in San Fran? 49ers bring leadership to WR room renovation
Greenlaw returns to the 49ers on a one-year, $7.5M deal after spending 2025 with the Broncos.
What it means: Amidst the 49ers' mass free agent exodus last offseason, Greenlaw was the one player the team tried hardest to keep but ultimately couldn't. After just one year apart, the Niners and Greenlaw are back together. Greenlaw's lengthy injury history only got worse in his season in Denver where he played eight games after quad and hamstring injuries. Since suffering a torn Achilles in Super Bowl LVIII, Greenlaw has appeared in just 10 games.
That brings inherent risk but this is a one-year deal with far less risk and Greenlaw gets a chance to reestablish himself alongside close friend and running mate Fred Warner in the place where he began his career. Anything the Niners get from Greenlaw in 2026 will be a bonus but if he's anything close to the player they once had, this could prove a significant addition to the defense.
Lowe agreed to sign a two-year, $12 million contract with $5.75 million guaranteed, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
What the signing means: The 49ers have bigger fish to fry with star offensive tackleTrent Williams in need of a reworked contract, but in Lowe, they at least added some depth to a position that needs it. Lowe started 25 games in three seasons with New England, including four on the left side in 2025. Lowe projects as a swing tackle in San Francisco, working behind right tackle Colton McKivitz, though Lowe also could stick more on the left, with Austen Pleasants on the right. San Francisco still must figure out a contract solution for Williams and what to do at left guard, where it needs a starter.
The 49ers are signing the former Packer to a one-year deal worth up to $4.5 million.
What it means: The 49ers had trouble gauging exactly what they have in the secondary last season in part because they had such little pass rush, forcing their defensive backs into difficult spots. But there was still a need to add to this group and Hobbs, who had a disappointing one-year stint in Green Bay, is looking for a place to bounce back. Hobbs generally profiles as a nickel corner, but the Niners have promising rookie Upton Stout in that spot.
Hobbs is only signing a one-year deal, so it's possible he is just solid depth since he can play inside and out, but it's also fair to wonder if new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris views him as a possible starter on the outside with Renardo Green a trade candidate, or if Hobbs could play more of a hybrid safety/nickel type of role. Regardless, this is a solid value add for a Niners defense that still needs help at safety and edge rusher.
Tonges re-signed on a two-year, $8 million deal.
What it means: The Niners keep important depth at a position where it's needed as George Kittle recovers from a torn Achilles. Slated to be a restricted free agent this offseason, Tonges had his best NFL season in 2025. With Kittle battling injuries, Tonges admirably filled in with 34 catches for 293 yards and five touchdowns. Not bad for a player who had never recorded a reception in three previous regular seasons. This won't preclude the Niners from looking for more help at the position in the draft but Tonges is a reliable option who has a good rapport with QB Brock Purdy and earned a nice pay raise last year.
The 49ers re-signed the linebacker to a two-year deal, worth up to $5.3 million.
What it means: Gifford was an integral part of San Francisco's vastly improved special teams in 2025. He earned a Pro Bowl nod after tying for sixth in special teams tackles with 20. Gifford also played 165 defensive snaps with 15 tackles and a fumble recovery. With Dre Greenlaw back and the likes of Dee Winters, Tatum Bethune and Nick Martin still on the roster, Gifford shouldn't have to play as much on defense in 2026, which should allow him to focus primarily on his special teams role.
Kirk agreed to a one-year contract, worth up to $6 million.
What it means: With Kirk joining Mike Evans, the 49ers have now added a pair of productive veteran wideouts to a room that would otherwise lacks proven options. Coming off a down season that was plagued by a hamstring injury, it remains to be seen how much Kirk, 29, has left. But if he proves to be past the hamstring and still has juice in the tank, he could be a good option to play in the slot and possibly provide return insurance. The Niners should still be in the receiver market in April's draft but Kirk's addition could make it slightly less of a pressing need.
Toth to sign a one-year deal.
What it means: Like with Lowe, the 49ers have spent a little money in the first few days of free agency to bolster their offensive line depth. While Lowe projects as a swing tackle, Toth should slot in as a swing player on the interior with the ability to play either guard spot and center. He has six career starts, including four last year for the Eagles. The Niners do have an opening at left guard and while Toth could compete for that spot, he's been at his best at center and figures to be the top backup for all three spots on the interior.
The 49ers re-signed Pineiro to a four-year contract days before he was set to become a free agent.
What the signing means:The 49ers should have long-term stability at a position that has lacked it since Robbie Gould's departure following the 2022 season. Former third-round pick Jake Moody simply didn't provide the consistency the Niners had hoped, with miscues showing up on some of the game's biggest stages. But Pineiro offered a strong approximation of Gould after joining the Niners in Week 2 last season.
He went 28-of-29 on field goal attempts, and he ranks in the top three among kickers in field goal percentage since 2000. Kyle Shanahan doesn't like having to worry about the kicker spot, and Pineiro should provide the San Francisco coach peace of mind in 2026 and beyond.
Waitman is signing a one-year, $1.29 million contract.
What it means:After one season, the 49ers are moving on from veteran punterThomas Morsteadwith Waitman expected to get the first crack at replacing him. Assuming Waitman claims the role, he will be the third punter in as many years to open the season in the job. Waitman is left-footed and offers more hang time for better net production than Morstead provided in 2025. Waitman was 17th in the NFL in net punting (41.7 yards) and 10th in punts down inside the 20 (26), both of which represent an upgrade over Morstead's 36.8 yards and 22 punts inside the 20.
Jones signed a one-year deal.
What it means: In Jones, the 49ers are taking a flier on a veteran guard who has experience playing in a similar system from 30 career starts Miami and can compete for the open starting spot they have on the left side. Jones didn't play in 2025 after breaking a bone in his neck after signing with Dallas last offseason. In 2024, Jones was a full-time starter for the Dolphins but ranked near the bottom of the league in both pass block and run block win rate among guards. Adding competition and depth is a good idea but the 49ers figure to continue looking for more help to battle for this opening on the offensive line.

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