49ers Webzone News and Updates

Two 49ers draft picks invited to NFLPA Rookie Premiere

David Bonilla — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:33:00 PDT

NFLPA Rookie Premiere invitations are out, and two San Francisco 49ers rookies are headed to Los Angeles.

According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the NFLPA has invited 42 members of the 2026 draft class to its annual event, scheduled for May 14-17. Among them are 49ers wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling and running back Kaelon Black, who were selected in the second and third rounds, respectively.

The list of players invited to attend this year's NFL Players Rookie Premiere in LA May 14-17. pic.twitter.com/Nz2VIPksfr
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 30, 2026

The Rookie Premiere serves as a key introduction to the business side of the NFL. Incoming players connect with league partners and explore endorsement opportunities. The event also gives fans an early look at rookies in full team uniforms, as many trading card and promotional photos are captured during the showcase.

San Francisco selected Stribling with the first pick of Day 2 (No. 33 overall) in the 2026 NFL Draft, while Black was taken at No. 90 overall.

The 49ers wrapped up the draft with eight total selections and later added eight more players as undrafted free agents.

San Francisco's rookie minicamp is set for May 8-9, marking the coaching staff's first on-field look at the team's newest additions, including Stribling and Black, who will likely head to Los Angeles shortly after.

NFL.com ranks 49ers' 2026 draft class shockingly low

David Bonilla — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:51:09 PDT

The San Francisco 49ers received a wide range of grades for their eight selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, with evaluations spanning from an A- to a D-, depending on the outlet. Much of the criticism centered on perceived "reaches"—players selected earlier than their projected value would suggest.

Gennaro Filice of NFL.com is the latest to weigh in, assigning the 49ers a C- and ranking their class No. 30 overall—ahead of only the Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams.

So why the low marks?

"After trading down twice on Thursday, the 49ers had the honor of picking first on Friday, and they made a selection that took many by surprise," Filice explained. "Truth be told, De'Zhaun Stribling was a name that picked up serious steam as the draft cycle played out -- that 4.36 40 in Indy didn't hurt -- but 33rd overall still felt aggressive to me."

RELATED: Shanahan: 49ers would have drafted De'Zhaun Stribling in Round 1

Still, Filice pointed to past 49ers receiver selections in a similar range that ultimately paid off—Brandon Aiyuk at No. 25 overall in 2020 and Deebo Samuel at No. 36 in 2019. While neither tenure ended ideally, both players contributed during their time in San Francisco.

The 49ers also selected Ricky Pearsall at No. 31 overall just two years ago, though it remains too early to judge that pick a success or failure.

Filice was particularly critical of the team's addition at running back.

"One position this Niners regime has truly struggled to evaluate in the draft: running back," he wrote. "San Francisco regularly spends middle-round currency on rushers, but the returns are seriously lacking. Will Kaelon Black be the back to break the dry spell? It felt like a reach to me in Round 3."

Head coach Kyle Shanahan recently revealed that Black was actually the second-rated running back on the 49ers' draft board, helping explain the decision to select him at No. 90 overall.

RELATED: Shanahan: 49ers ranked Kaelon Black as the No. 2 RB on their draft board

Filice also identified his favorite and sleeper picks from San Francisco's class. Defensive tackle Gracen Halton earned the nod as his favorite selection.

"After trading a third-round pick to the Cowboys for Osa Odighizuwa back in March, San Francisco made another move to upgrade its interior pass rush with this fourth-round selection," Filice wrote. "Halton's undersized but disruptive, having piled up 8.5 sacks over the last two seasons at Oklahoma."

Cornerback Ephesians Prysock, also a fourth-round pick, was named the team's sleeper.

"An exceedingly long corner (6-3 3/8, 33 1/8-inch arms) who can move (4.45 40-yard dash), Prysock offers a rare traits package for the position," Filice added. "His lack of polish in coverage is why he was available on Day 3."

Despite the outside skepticism, the 49ers have made it clear they remain confident in their draft approach and don't put much emphasis on consensus rankings.

"We've got consensus in this building, and that's the consensus that I care about," general manager John Lynch declared.

Shanahan: 49ers ranked Kaelon Black as the No. 2 RB on their draft board

David Bonilla — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:48:21 PDT

Many believe the San Francisco 49ers valued running back Kaelon Black far higher than the consensus—and that became clear when the team selected him in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft (No. 90 overall).

Black was widely projected to be taken later, with some labeling the pick a significant reach. He wasn't even invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, reinforcing expectations that he would come off the board in the later rounds.

Internally, however, the 49ers saw a very different player.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan, speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, explained the team's reasoning behind selecting Black earlier than expected.

"We thought he was the—trying to think of the way to word this—but we had him as the second-rated back on the board," Shanahan said. "That's just our evaluation of him. Right or wrong, that's our evaluation, and then, you've got to decide where you think he's going to go. And I think that's the hardest thing with this league.

"You got a guy who's not invited to the Combine, so what does that mean? Man, maybe it means he's going in the sixth round. But then you evaluate him, you're like, 'Man, I think this is a third-round running back.'"

The prevailing perception in the league often leads teams to label a prospect a "sleeper," a player with upside who can be had in later rounds. However, looking at the draft picture in its entirety can change that perception.

"But then you start to watch the whole draft, and you start to watch all the backs, and evaluate all the backs together, and this wasn't as deep of a draft as years past for running backs," Shanahan said. "And when you look at it all, and you take a census of scouts, of coaches—it's a whole process—but you start to get to April, and the majority of our place is ranking him up there."

The risk comes when just one other team has a similar view of a player. That could mean missing out on a prospect you fell in love with because you thought he would be available later.

"Well, by the time that the draft came, we feel everyone's looking at this guy as a fourth-round pick," Shanahan said. "And so, if everyone's looking at him as a fourth-round pick, if we want him, I'll take him at 90 in the third. We'll be all right, everyone hating on us and judging that, as long as that's what we feel like."

Shanahan added that past experiences—waiting too long on targeted players only to see them selected just before their next pick—factored into the decision.

"You're like, 'Man, why'd we try to get cute? It was close enough,'" he said.

That mindset, combined with conviction in their evaluation, made the choice straightforward for San Francisco—even if it drew criticism from outside the building.

49ers debate: What constitutes a "reach" in the draft?

Jack Stewart — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:35:00 PDT

The San Francisco 49ers have been roundly criticized for, in the minds of many, "reaching" for a number of their draft picks. The most often cited are their first three: wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, edge rusher Romello Height, and running back Kaelon Black.

I wrote an article that talked about the importance of scheme and draft positioning. When Stribling and Height were picked, pundits said some version of "I like the player, but," with the qualifier always being where the player was drafted, not whether he would star for the 49ers. The assertion was always two-fold:

Stribling is a good player
Stribling should have been drafted later

The assumption is that the player would have been available at that later pick. Sometimes that is most certainly the case. I firmly believe the Niners' third-round pick, Black, would have been available when they picked next, and probably the pick after that.

But even if another team had taken him, not getting Black would not have been a great loss. He will not start as long as running back Christian McCaffrey is healthy, and it is unclear whether Black will even be the number two player on the depth chart.

Stribling and Height, however, are expected to play important roles this coming year because of weaknesses at their respective positions. Stribling will compete—serious, legitimate competition—for the WR3 role and maybe even the WR2 role. But it is more than that.

Would Stribling have been available later?

In the past few days, new information has been coming to light.

On the Bay Area radio station 957 The Game, analyst Greg Cosell said he studied Stribling's 2025 game film from the University of Mississippi and saw not only an "outstanding size-speed profile" but also, going back to the 2024 tape, saw him in a different-style offense at Oklahoma State.

Cosell's judgment, after seeing close to 200 targets, was that Stribling looked "refined as a route runner." Cosell also shared that a coach who has been in the league for 35 years preferred San Francisco's new wideout to Makai Lemon. This flies in the face of the judgment of most talking heads—but should get the Faithful excited.

And on the same show, former NFL defensive back and current analyst Bucky Brooks said that Stribling was "catching a lot of heat leading into the draft," meaning a lot of interest and chatter. Two position coaches even told Brooks that Stribling "was coming off the board shortly after the Niners picked" if they had not taken him.

At the time John Lynch selected Stribling with pick 33, the Niners' next selection was at 58. That's twenty-four spots and twenty-four teams, in between. Of those, two took wide receivers, and of the rest, ESPN said more than 10 needed one.

It sounds as if there was no likelihood Stribling would have lasted to San Francisco's next pick. At what point would it be considered not a reach?

Head coach Kyle Shanahan talked about the difficulty in choosing a player who might be ranked lower than the draft pick supposedly warrants: "If you're going to take someone who you think's the best player but you don't think they're going to go until like 15 picks later, 20 picks later, it's always a huge risk because you never find out when they're going to go if you take them there."

This would seem to apply to Stribling, whether Shanahan was actually referring to him or not.

The critics' suggestion seems to be that the Niners should not have wanted him so badly that they took him 24 spots too early. That says to me the prognosticators do not spend much time taking scheme and other variables into account. To them, a ranking is a ranking, and the person highest on their board should be drafted over all others.

Romello Height: When does "value" begin?

There were numerous multi-round mock drafts in which the 49ers took Height with their third pick, which at the time was late in the fourth round. The explanation, whether stated directly or implied, was that Height would be an excellent fit for San Francisco's defense.

If Lynch had waited until the fourth and still been able to get him, the pick would probably have been praised. But if he is a great fit and will upgrade the pass rush, why risk it? All teams would say that getting a starter or major contributor—at any position—in the third round is a great value selection.

The Faithful have seen players taken in the third round who have flamed out (kicker Jake Moody, wideout Danny Gray), shown great promise (cornerback Upton Stout, guard Dominick Puni), and dominated the league (linebacker Fred Warner). We may have a good idea early in the season of what trajectory Height's career will have.

One thing that Lynch says they draft for is character.

"The NFL's hard. It's tough. It's long. It's tiresome," he said. "You're going to be challenged, and who has the mental fortitude, the mental toughness to fight through that?"

The 49ers are known for having a tight-knit locker room. The veterans lead, both verbally and by example. The squad's cohesiveness is talked about throughout the league.

If these players have what it takes to stay the course, what round they were taken in will be irrelevant.

49ers roster move: San Francisco waives CB Tre Tomlinson

David Bonilla — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:43:00 PDT

The San Francisco 49ers announced a minor roster move on Thursday, waiving cornerback Tre Tomlinson.

The San Francisco 49ers today announced they have waived CB Tre Tomlinson.
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) April 30, 2026

Tomlinson may not be a familiar name to many fans, as he has not appeared in an NFL game since the 2023 season with the Los Angeles Rams.

San Francisco originally claimed Tomlinson off waivers on March 7, 2025. He was later waived with an injury designation on May 9 and, after going unclaimed, reverted to the 49ers' injured reserve list.

Tomlinson (5-9, 177) entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick by the Rams in the 2023 NFL Draft. He has appeared in 15 career games, recording 13 tackles, according to Pro Football Reference, while contributing primarily on special teams.

Shanahan: 49ers TE George Kittle still eyeing Week 1 return

David Bonilla — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:06:00 PDT

The San Francisco 49ers suffered a major setback in the Wild Card playoff round against the Philadelphia Eagles. Although the team came away with the win, they lost one of their most important offensive weapons when tight end George Kittle suffered an Achilles injury.

At first, the outlook for Kittle was uncertain, with some initial concern that much of his 2026 season could be in jeopardy given the timing of the injury. However, that quickly turned to optimism as the prognosis pointed toward a possible earlier return.

In fact, there is a legitimate chance Kittle could be ready for Week 1. As he continues his rehabilitation, the possibility of him suiting up for the season opener remains very much in play.

"I know there's a chance to," head coach Kyle Shanahan said Thursday on The Rich Eisen Show. "I know he's working his butt off to do it. I don't want to say he's on track, but I think that's what he's shooting for. And I don't put anything past Kittle. He works as hard as anyone."

💻 Kyle Shanahan

After tearing his Achilles in the Wild Card round last season, will George Kittle be ready for Week 1?#NFL #FTTB @gkittle46 pic.twitter.com/6nDgHRo2FL
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) April 30, 2026

Kittle is entering his 10th NFL season and has already built a strong résumé, including 8,008 receiving yards, which ranks third in franchise history.

Shanahan emphasized that Kittle is doing everything possible to get back on the field for the start of the 2026 campaign.

"And I just keep telling Kittle, like, Boston Celtics forward Jason Tatum got hurt in the playoffs, and he's looking pretty damn good right now with his Achilles," Shanahan said. "So, let's try to do something like that, and I know Kittle will. Kittle's too impressive of a talent and too impressive of a person, so I can't wait to get him back."

The 49ers originally selected Kittle in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, during Shanahan's first year as head coach. Since then, he has developed into one of the league's premier tight ends, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro honors.

"This is my 10th year, it's his 10th year," Shanahan added. "It's really cool having a few guys that have been here the whole 10 years, guys like him, Juice (FB Kyle Juszczyk). There's not many of them, but they've been some of our best players here, some of our best people, guys I'll be close with the rest of my life."

Kittle's recovery will undoubtedly remain one of the key storylines of the 49ers' offseason.

Why one 49ers undrafted free agent has a strong chance to make the roster

David Bonilla — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:53:00 PDT

Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox highlighted the undrafted free agent most likely to make each NFL roster. For the San Francisco 49ers, that distinction goes to former Virginia Tech and Notre Dame safety Jalen Stroman.

Knox believes Stroman could easily have been selected in the 2026 NFL Draft's seven rounds.

"He was the 181st-ranked prospect on the B/R board and can bring both physicality and versatility to an NFL secondary," Knox wrote.

Daniel Harms of the Bleacher Report scouting department provided insight into what Stroman brings to the table.

"He does his best work in the box, as he prefers to be around the action and sift through traffic around the football," he wrote. "Stroman showed solid man-coverage skills against tight ends at the Senior Bowl and can drop into a big nickel look."

So, what gives Stroman the best chance to make the roster? It comes down to opportunity.

San Francisco was widely expected to address the safety position during the 2026 NFL Draft, but ultimately did not select one. General manager John Lynch later acknowledged that the team's draft board simply did not line up with the available safeties when they were on the clock.

"As for not drafting a safety, there were some guys that came off and, look, this thing's still going on, we've got some free agents and all that," Lynch said on Saturday, after San Francisco's final selection. "We've got a group that we really do like. But kind of the way the board fell, it just didn't work out."

That decision opens a potential pathway for Stroman to earn a roster spot in San Francisco. Knox noted that Stroman's skill set fits the 49ers' need in the secondary and on special teams.

"He can provide depth behind Ji'Ayir Brown at strong safety, provide additional depth at nickel, and carve out a role on special teams," Knox wrote. "The 6'1", 201-pound former Virginia Tech transfer recorded 37 tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, and an interception this past season."

Keep an eye on Stroman, who could enter 49ers training camp with a legitimate chance to stick on the roster.

Shanahan: 49ers would have drafted De'Zhaun Stribling in Round 1

David Bonilla — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:14:00 PDT

The San Francisco 49ers raised eyebrows with their first selection of the 2026 NFL Draft, taking wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling in the second round, with the No. 33 overall pick. Many around the league viewed the move as a reach, but the team valued Stribling far more highly than the public consensus.

Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, head coach Kyle Shanahan explained that one of his early concerns entering the 2026 NFL Draft was San Francisco's limited draft capital, as the team originally held just six selections. Through a series of trades, including moving back and out of the first round, the 49ers ultimately finished with eight total picks.

"There's a lot of good receivers in the draft," Shanahan said. "We weren't for sure going to go receiver either (with their first pick). We knew we would like to, but there was a lot of positions we would like to, and we targeted everything at 27."

Shanahan noted that the 49ers viewed the second round through the end of the third as the strongest part of the draft. However, San Francisco initially had just one pick in that range after trading its third-rounder for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa.

"And so, I was really concerned going into it because I also felt we needed to add more than six players—not necessarily for this year, but also for next year," Shanahan said. "All the stuff's tied together on how many free agents you lose and things like that.

"So I was worried that if we were going to go get players that we were targeting, we were going to end up using some of our fourth-round picks to come up."

Shanahan feared the team might ultimately end up with just four selections when everything was said and done.

Despite those concerns, the 49ers remained patient and avoided sacrificing too many selections. Instead of ending the draft with a small class, San Francisco doubled Shanahan's initial projection by the end of the process.

The 49ers had an idea of who might be available at their initial spot in the first round, and targeted several prospects at their No. 27 draft slot. However, the desire for more selections led the team to take risks, trading back multiple times. The good news is that they still landed one of their priority targets.

"That's kind of what we were hoping for," Shanahan said. "Our first goal was that the guy we wanted would fall to 27, but we got our second goal, and that was to trade back twice, accumulate some more picks, and still get the guy.

"We would have taken Stribling at 30, if we had to pick, but to get to 33 and still get the guy we wanted was ideal ... I think we added eight players who all have a very good chance of making our team, and on top of that, we added a sixth-round pick for next year, which I think's huge because we didn't have one."

Dee Winters reacts to 49ers-Cowboys trade: "I wasn't expecting it at all"

David Bonilla — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:15:00 PDT

Linebacker Dee Winters was in the middle of moving into his new home in Arlington, Texas, when he received a call from the San Francisco 49ers—one that would quickly change his NFL future. The team informed him he had been traded to the Dallas Cowboys, placing him just minutes from his new organization.

Still, the news came as a shock to the linebacker, who had spent his first three NFL seasons with the 49ers.

"Honestly, I wasn't expecting it at all," Winters said, via The Athletic's Jon Machota. "I was surprised quite a bit. Everything happens for a reason. I'm excited to be back home, and I get to play for the Dallas Cowboys."

New Cowboys LB Dee Winters on getting traded from the 49ers during the draft last weekend: "Honestly, I wasn't expecting it at all. I was surprised quite a bit. Everything happens for a reason. I'm excited to be back home and I get to play for the Dallas Cowboys."

Winters isn't…
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) April 30, 2026

Winters played college football at TCU, just a short drive from his new home and new team. The 49ers selected him in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he steadily developed into a key contributor.

During the 2025 season, Winters started all 17 games, totaling 101 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, one interception returned for a touchdown, and five passes defensed.

However, San Francisco reunited with Dre Greenlaw this offseason, which would have drastically impacted Winters' playing time. The 49ers ultimately traded him to Dallas in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick.

General manager John Lynch acknowledged the difficulty of the decision.

"Sixth-round pick out of TCU, but Dee is one of the favorite guys in that locker room amongst his teammates," Lynch said. "He's done a lot for us on the field. We just felt like we were in a good position at linebacker, and Dallas has been really interested in him for a long time."

Lynch added that the move could benefit Winters.

"It's a good opportunity for Dee," he said. "I think there's a lot of opportunity for him to shine, and just very grateful for Dee's time here and all his contributions he made to our squad."

Now with the Cowboys, Winters is already adjusting to a new system and role.

"I'm not really familiar with the scheme yet, but from what I'm learning right now, it looks like I'm going to be in a lot of space, and I'm excited about that," Winters said. "The way that I move in open space, and when I don't have to deal with some o-linemen, football is way more fun that way. This scheme fits perfectly for me."

49ers draft analysis: NFL execs share intriguing takes on San Francisco's 2026 class

David Bonilla — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:41:37 PDT

The San Francisco 49ers once again showed they're comfortable going against outside consensus in the NFL Draft. This year, the team drew criticism for "reaching" on multiple selections, targeting players earlier than their projected value.

General manager John Lynch made it clear that external opinions carry little weight.

"We've got consensus in this building, and that's the consensus that I care about," Lynch said.

So how is the 49ers' 2026 draft class viewed around the league? The Athletic's Mike Sando polled several NFL executives, and their feedback offers insight into San Francisco's approach.

After trading down twice, the 49ers made their first selection at No. 33 overall, taking wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling. While some evaluators viewed the pick as a reach, his fit within head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense is undeniable.

San Francisco added veteran receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk in free agency, but neither is a long-term certainty—Evans turns 33 in August, while Kirk signed a one-year deal. The organization appears to be positioning Stribling alongside former first-round pick Ricky Pearsall as part of its future core.

One NFL executive acknowledged areas for improvement in Stribling's game, grading him as a high third-round talent, but also highlighted traits that likely appealed to the 49ers.

"Stribling is not a dynamic route runner and does not run a full route tree, but he is bigger, faster, will block, and is a competitive guy," the executive told Sando. "He is not as good as Aiyuk was. He is a better receiver than Deebo. He is a faster, better (Jauan) Jennings and a great guy. Those guys (Stribling and Evans) will block and do it all the right way, how the head coach wants it."

Shanahan later confirmed that Stribling's blocking ability was a major selling point and that, internally, he was considered the best blocking wide receiver in the draft.

"When you watch a guy with that size, and how physically he runs with the ball, you assume he's a good blocker," Shanahan said. "And then to hear the people who are further along than I was (in the evaluation process) say he's the best blocker in the draft—he has elite blocking skills. And then to confirm it after that, it was real cool to watch."

Another pick that drew scrutiny was running back Kaelon Black, selected in the third round (No. 90 overall). While some viewed the selection as a significant reach, one executive praised the 49ers' conviction in acquiring the talent they wanted.

"All the talk about consensus boards is interesting," the executive said. "I don't have a great answer, but I respect teams like San Fran that say, 'F— you guys, we aren't looking at that stuff.'"

49ers camp battle could feature De'Zhaun Stribling vs. Ricky Pearsall

David Bonilla — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:32:10 PDT

The San Francisco 49ers made two offseason signings that helped reshape their wide receiver room for the 2026 season. They added Mike Evans and Christian Kirk in free agency, and the duo figures to play prominent roles in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense.

It appeared that the top trio of wideouts would be Evans, Kirk, and former first-round draft pick Ricky Pearsall. Then, the 49ers shook things up a bit by using their top draft pick on De'Zhaun Stribling.

NBC analyst Chris Simms recently said he expects a training-camp battle between Stribling and Pearsall for the right to be featured in the 49ers' offense.

"I wouldn't think at pick 33, that they want De'Zhaun Stribling not playing and being one of those one or two guys," Simms said.

Of course, that all depends on where San Francisco's coaches envision Stribling starting out as he learns the offense—on the outside or in the slot. Simms clearly believes it will be a Pearsall-versus-Stribling dilemma heading into camp, so here's a look at what each brings to the table.

Ricky Pearsall enters Year 3

Pearsall showed promise once he got on the field during his rookie 2024 campaign, hauling in 31 receptions for 400 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

There was optimism that he might be headed for a breakout season in Year 2. Instead, injuries hampered his progress, and Pearsall finished with just 36 catches for 528 receiving yards—without finding the end zone.

It wasn't the sophomore year that fans—or the 49ers—had hoped for.

Pearsall has had two years to learn Shanahan's offense, which should give him an advantage heading into his 2026 campaign. And he's had time to build a rapport with Brock Purdy, proving to be a trustworthy target (when available) for the quarterback. He's had just one dropped pass in each of the last two seasons, per Pro Football Focus.

His route-running precision and reliable hands could give him an edge.

The challenger: De'Zhaun Stribling

While Pearsall's experience gives him an advantage, Stribling's lack of experience could be a disadvantage as he battles for playing time while learning Shanahan's offense, which has proven challenging for young receivers in the past. Many have struggled early on to master the precision timing and run blocking required to contribute.

However, the 6-foot-2, 207-pound Stribling is already a strong blocker and was viewed internally as the best blocking wideout in the draft.

"When you watch a guy with that size, and how physically he runs with the ball, you assume he's a good blocker," Shanahan said. "And then to hear the people who are further along than I was (in the evaluation process) say he's the best blocker in the draft—he has elite blocking skills. And then to confirm it after that, it was real cool to watch."

Stribling's physicality and vertical speed could set him apart. If Shanahan seeks a new outside threat who can beat press coverage, it could eventually be Stribling lining up opposite Evans until he's needed to replace the veteran.

Here is how the Pearsall and Stribling match up, including their respective NFL Scouting Combine workout numbers.

	Pearsall	Stribling
Height	6-1	6-2
Weight	189 lbs	207 lbs
40-time	4.41 s	4.36 s
Vertical jump	42 in	36 in
Broad jump	10-9	10-7

Training camp outlook

With more experience under his belt in Shanahan's system and having already hauled in passes from Purdy, Pearsall could take the early lead in a potential training camp battle. But after the pads come on and red-zone drills intensify, Stribling could start to close the gap.

If the rookie starts making flash plays and winning some 50/50 ball battles, Shanahan and his coaches could consider rethinking the depth chart.

49ers mailbag: Which 2026 draftees will make an impact? Will SF add more free agents? Was Kyle Shanahan annoyed by the first pick?

Marc Adams — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:00:00 PDT

The picks have all been made for the San Francisco 49ers. The undrafted rookie free agents have been decided upon or invited for a tryout. And the 49ers rookie minicamp has been set for May 8-9. That will be the team's first look at their new rookie class.

We opened the 49ers Webzone Mailbag this week to see how you're feeling and what questions you may have. you asked some great questions, as always. Let's take a look.

Of the 8 players drafted, how many have a realistic chance of playing a role this year (STs aside). We know about Kyle's history with rookie WRs, so I don't expect much from Stribling. Height could be a situational pass rusher. Maybe Halton is in the DT rotation. But that's it. - Rockin' Daddy

You're right that Romello Height will get a lot of run as a pass rusher on most third downs. And you're correct that Gracen Halton will be part of a defensive line rotation. But I think De'Zhaun Stribling will play more than you think.

Why? Because he's a very good blocking wide receiver. I get it—that doesn't get anyone excited. But that's a big thing to Kyle Shanahan, especially coming off a season in which the 49ers didn't run the ball very well.

Stribling also has some run-after-catch ability, which could see him get the ball in certain situations. He's not Deebo Samuel, but he has the ability to move around the field. Remember, he has lined up in the backfield before. I doubt he'll do that in the NFL, but it shows his versatility.

I know everyone hated the 49ers taking Kaelon Black so early, but he may get more playing time than we think. He's excellent in pass protection, and Bobby Turner loves running backs who can keep the quarterback safe.

Wasn't a fan of this draft. Does the Webzone offer therapy? LOL - which pick do you think has the best chance to contribute this season? Do you see a signing in any other free agents? - Lowbridge

Yes, we offer post-draft therapy. Our techniques are a little controversial, but we believe in them. You don't have any fear of being electrocuted, do you? We can get you started today. All we need is your non-refundable deposit and your signed release form.

On a less disturbing note, I think Stribling, Height, Black, and Halton will get some playing time this season. Who will have the biggest impact? I'm going with the edge rusher Height.

I definitely can see the 49ers adding to their roster through free agency. Will it be someone like Joey Bosa? Matt Maiocco does not believe so, and he knows better than I do. But I believe San Francisco will bring another free agent or two.

A few questions for you. 1) Why is the OL always a distant second to the DL? 2) If we were gonna draft an OT, why didn't we just draft Caleb Lomu at 27? 3) According to multiple reports, most said the 49ers reached on the majority of their picks outside of Gracen Halton. Do you agree or disagree? - Johnny Y.

Shanahan and Offensive Line Coach Chris Foerster believe they can get by with offensive linemen who aren't the elite players at their positions. But Shanahan and John Lynch don't believe they can get by with second-rate defensive linemen. And that's why they focus more on DL than they do OL.

The 49ers must not have believed Caleb Lomu, or any other offensive lineman that they could have picked in the late first round, was worth being taken that high.

Did the 49ers reach on most of their picks? Probably so. But I do not get worked up over that. If the player works out, does it really matter where they were drafted? If Joe Montana had been taken in the first round, everyone would have said he was taken way too early. But we know he would have been worth the top pick.

What purpose does it serve to hand out grades on a test that hasn't even been given yet? - Invader49er

Ding, ding, ding, ding. We have a winner. I completely agree. It's way too early to grade a draft class before they have even touched the field. In fact, it's still too early to grade last year's draft class.

And those who hand out grades are only doing so in comparison to other opinions in the media or public. I don't get worked up about where a player is taken, and I don't really care about draft grades.

Is Gracen Halton the best pick? Are you happy the 49ers drafted an Oklahoma Sooner? - CG Ruthless

I'm not sure if Gracen Halton was the 49ers' best pick or not. But he could end up being the one who makes the biggest impact. He's being compared to Kalia Davis, but he will be much better than Davis.

Yes, I was excited to see the 49ers pick an OU guy. Especially when you believe that guy can help the team. Halton played on an excellent Oklahoma defense that you couldn't run on, and that got after the quarterback. He was one of the reasons why.

What was your favorite pick and least favorite pick from the draft? - Don A.

Favorite: Gracen Halton (See previous question)

Least favorite: Carver Willis (Is this going to be the starting left guard? I'm not so sure.)

So how many times did you find yourself scratching your head during the draft on what the Niners or the other teams in the division did? - Ed H.

The biggest head-scratcher to me was the Black pick. Not so much because Shanahan took another running back in the third round, but because the pick didn't align with what he said at the NFL meetings. That's when he said he wanted another back with skills like Christian McCaffrey, so he could just call plays and not have to worry about who was in there.

I'm just not sure Black has the skill set that McCaffrey does. He wasn't used as a receiver very often, and I seriously doubt he has the downfield pass-catching skills that McCaffrey has displayed. But he may turn into a strong rusher for the 49ers.

How would you grade the 49ers draft, cause I feel like they didn't address the biggest need! - Shawniieboy

I don't grade drafts, especially before we've seen them for a few seasons. But I would have liked to have seen them address the safety position.

There was a video from the 49ers war room that showed Kyle Shanahan looking annoyed when they drafted De'Zhaun Stribling. Do you think he's upset with the pick? - Ed P.

No. I don't think any offensive pick (and maybe no defensive pick) is made without Shanahan's endorsement. In fact, we don't even know who actually makes the picks. Is it Lynch or is it Shanahan? They say they do it together.

Either way, no offensive player is drafted unless Shanahan wants that player. Remember Joe Williams? He wasn't even on the 49ers draft board in 2017. But Shanahan fell in love with him and convinced Lynch to draft him in the fourth round.

Marc, you posted something this weekend in which you said, "Something is not quite right with the 49ers draft process." That seems a little like an overreaction. What do you think is not right? - Caroline F.

Something is not quite right with the 49ers draft process. If Bill Walsh can be stripped of his front-office authority, Kyle Shanahan can be stripped of his, too. https://t.co/EfgGhfUOpq
— Marc Adams (@49ersCamelot) April 26, 2026

I'm not sure, but something just feels off. Drafting another running back in the third round, especially when he doesn't appear to match what Shanahan wants, doesn't help.

The fact that in 2021, they traded up to draft a QB, who most said would be Mac Jones. Then it was Trey Lance. Who wanted Lance? Did Shanahan want Jones, but was talked out of it? How did they mess that up so badly?

I've also been hearing that in later rounds, the 49ers allow position coaches to make picks. I hope that's not true. If it is, it worked out with Purdy, but that's not going to happen very often. Again, I don't know if those rumors are true, but I've heard them multiple times.

I mentioned this earlier, but we still don't know who has the final say on who the 49ers draft.

Is this draft going to be the nail in the coffin for GM John Lynch? - Jonathan P.

Maybe—if he's the one making the picks.

I have a question. Why does lynch still have a job? WHY??!! - Jeff Z.

Lynch has done a good job. The last handful of drafts are questionable, but he's still been effective at building a roster that is competitive year in and year out. They've been to two Super Bowls that they should have won.

And this offseason has been solid for Lynch's 49ers. We'll see how it plays out. But it looks good so far.

Yes, there are plenty of misses, like an offensive line that cost the 49ers at least one Super Bowl. But as we've discussed, I'm not sure if they all fall at Lynch's feet.

That's all we have for this edition of the 49ers Webzone Mailbag. We'll be back with another one soon.

49ers rookie Kaelon Black: Risky pick or intriguing upside?

David Bonilla — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:08:00 PDT

There has been no shortage of debate surrounding the San Francisco 49ers' first three selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.

While third-round pick Romello Height has drawn praise for addressing a clear need along the defensive front, San Francisco's first selection at No. 33 overall—wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling—has been labeled by some as a reach.

Still, neither move has generated as much criticism as the team's decision to select running back Kaelon Black in the third round. Many evaluators believe Black could have been available much later, making the pick one of the most scrutinized in the 49ers' eight-player draft class.

Why the 49ers added Kaelon Black

San Francisco already features one of the league's most dangerous offensive weapons in Christian McCaffrey, who totaled 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns last season. However, that production came on a league-high 413 touches, a huge workload for the soon-to-be 30-year-old running back.

The desire to add some help to preserve your $19 million-a-year superstar seems prudent.

"We went into the year wanting to take care of him a little bit more," head coach Kyle Shanahan said ahead of the draft, "but the way the offense went, I think more with the receivers and the injuries we had, it was hard to get him off.

"It's cool to have him out there because he did help our offense so much. But in order for us to be the running team we want to be, to have Christian be as good as he can be throughout the whole year, we've got to get some help."

That help could come in the form of Black, who joins a backfield that includes second-year runner Jordan James and veterans Patrick Taylor and Isaac Guerendo.

What Black brings to the offense

Black was highly productive at Indiana, averaging 5.6 yards per carry while rushing for 1,040 yards and 10 touchdowns on the way to a national championship. He also converted 51 first downs, helping sustain drives in key situations—all while splitting carries with Roman Hemby.

At 208 pounds, Black profiles as a physical, between-the-tackles runner who can handle short-yardage and red-zone duties. That role could be critical in reducing McCaffrey's exposure to punishing hits.

Four of Black's 10 rushing touchdowns came inside the 10-yard line, and he averaged 3.5 yards after contact—reinforcing his reputation as a "dirty yardage" specialist.

While McCaffrey's versatility makes him difficult to take off the field, the 49ers feel Black might be able to contribute in that area, too. He showed flashes as a pass-catcher at James Madison, though he was used sparingly in that role at Indiana.

"I think he can handle himself there," general manager John Lynch said during the draft. "I think that's another thing—Senior Bowl. You evaluate everything at the Senior Bowl, you turn on his one-on-ones. I was there, Kyle watched it on the film, and the one-on-ones really stood out."

Does this spell trouble for Isaac Guerendo?

One player who stands to lose on the selection of Black is Isaac Guerendo, whom many felt was already at risk of losing his roster spot this season.

The former fourth-round pick flashed as a rookie in 2024, averaging 5.0 yards per carry with 420 rushing yards and four touchdowns, while adding 15 receptions for 152 yards. However, his role disappeared in 2025, when he failed to record a carry or target.

With a crowded depth chart and a new draft investment at the position, Guerendo's time with the 49ers could be coming to an end.

49ers' struggles to draft a running back

Despite McCaffrey's star power, the 49ers acquired him via trade rather than the draft. Under Shanahan and Lynch, the team has struggled to develop consistent running back contributors.

Previous 49ers running backs drafted during the Shanahan and Lynch era:

Joe Williams (fourth round, 2017): Never appeared in a game
Trey Sermon (third round, 2021): No longer on the roster
Elijah Mitchell (sixth round, 2021): No longer on the roster
Tyrion Davis-Price (third round, 2022): Out of the NFL
Isaac Guerendo (fourth round, 2024): Facing roster uncertainty
Jordan James (fifth round, 2025): The 49ers drafted a running back a year later

That poor track record adds pressure on Black to make an impact.

Outlook

If Black can carve out a role handling 8–10 carries per game, particularly in short-yardage and red-zone situations, the narrative around his draft position will quickly fade.

However, if he struggles to find consistent playing time, critics will continue to point to the 49ers' ongoing difficulty in drafting and developing running backs.

For now, Black represents another option for the 49ers to manage McCaffrey's workload.

49ers rookie minicamp set for May 8-9: Schedule, draft class, and UDFAs

David Bonilla — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:02:00 PDT

The NFL has announced rookie minicamp dates for all 32 teams, including the San Francisco 49ers. Veterans reported to Santa Clara on April 20, and the team's rookies will get their first on-field work May 8-9.

Most of the 49ers' offseason schedule was already known, with on-field sessions set for the following dates:

Rookie minicamp: May 8-9
OTA offseason workouts: May 27-29, June 1, June 3-4
Mandatory minicamp: June 9-10

While much of the offseason program is voluntary, attendance at the June minicamp is required for all players under contract.

49ers 2026 NFL Draft class:

WR De'Zhaun Stribling, Mississippi
EDGE Romello Height, Texas Tech
RB Kaelon Black, Indiana
DT Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
OT Carver Willis, Washington
CB Ephesians Prysock, Washington
LB Jaden Dugger, Louisiana
OT Enrique Cruz, Kansas

49ers undrafted free agents:

P Jack Boumeester, Texas
TE Khalil Dinkins, Penn State
DL Bryson Eason, Tennessee
WR Wesley Grimes, North Carolina State
DE Mikail Kamara, Indiana
WR Will Pauling, Notre Dame
S Jalen Stroman, Notre Dame
DT James Thompson, Illinois

Reported rookie minicamp tryout players:

DB Darian "Duce" Chestnut, Syracuse
WR Matt Henry, Western Kentucky
DB Colby Humphrey, Washington State
LB James Jackson, Virginia
LB Kalib Perry, Louisville
K Ethan Sanchez, Houston

49ers free agent fit: Kevin Zeitler named 'no-brainer' option for O-line

David Bonilla — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:42:00 PDT

The San Francisco 49ers added offensive lineman Carver Willis in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but the competition at left guard remains wide open.

Willis is expected to battle second-year lineman Connor Colby and veteran Robert Jones for the starting role, which stands as the lone unsettled spot along an otherwise stable offensive front following Trent Williams' contract extension.

Matt Okada of NFL.com has another name to throw into the mix, one with 213 games of starting experience: Kevin Zeitler.

"The 49ers won seven of their last nine games in 2025, including the playoffs," Okada wrote. "The only two losses: against Seattle in Week 18 and against Seattle in the Divisional Round. You know, that 41-6 shellacking in which the 'Hawks pressured Brock Purdy on 39.4 percent of his dropbacks.

"This offseason, San Francisco lost starting guard Spencer Burford in free agency, so an upgrade on the interior feels important. Zeitler, a 14-year veteran, earned a top-15 overall PFF grade among guards in each of the last two seasons and is the only still-available guard from Rosenthal's Top 101."

Zeitler's recent production supports the case. He posted an 86.5 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024 with the Detroit Lions, followed by a 74.5 mark with the Tennessee Titans in 2025, allowing just 16 total pressures last season.

Durability has also been a hallmark of his career. He has started at least 15 games in each of the past 11 seasons and played 96 percent or more of offensive snaps in 10 of those campaigns.

"At 36 years old, Zeitler is likely headed for another one-year contract, but the Niners are contenders with a need -- and $44.9 million in cap space -- so it makes a lot of sense," Okada added. "Unless they're comfortable rocking with Dominick Puni and Connor Colby as their starters, Zeitler is a no-brainer add."

49ers rookie Gracen Halton earning under-the-radar praise after NFL Draft

David Bonilla — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:26:29 PDT

The San Francisco 49ers' 2026 NFL Draft class has drawn plenty of scrutiny, with questions about whether the team reached on multiple selections. However, more than one Day 3 pick is beginning to stand out as a potential value addition.

Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated previously highlighted fifth-round linebacker Jaden Dugger as a possible draft steal. Now, he has identified fourth-round defensive tackle Gracen Halton as the 49ers' under-the-radar selection.

"The San Francisco 49ers made picks that strayed from the consensus, but one choice that shouldn't draw sighs from fans is defensive tackle Gracen Halton," Melo wrote. "One of three fourth-round selections, Halton is undersized but incredibly disruptive due to athleticism and first-step quickness."

RELATED: 49ers 2026 draft recap: 8 rookies bolster the roster

Over four seasons at Oklahoma, Halton appeared in 47 games and totaled 84 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two passes defensed, and two fumble recovers, one of which was returned for a touchdown, according to Sports Reference. Notably, all of his sacks came over the final two seasons, and he earned second-team All-SEC honors as a senior while helping the Sooners reach the College Football Playoff.

"Plays the style that we like to play," general manager John Lynch said. "Plays in the opposing offenses' backfield, attacking style, team captain, really impactful player. And you talk to the people at Oklahoma, they rave about him. We're really surprised he lasted that long (until the No. 107 overall pick) and really thrilled to pounce on him when he got there."

Halton (6-3, 293) earned an 84.7 overall defensive grade, an 86.9 run-defense grade, and a 76.9 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus—all career highs. He also generated 59 total pressures over his final two seasons.

"New defensive coordinator Raheem Morris will take advantage of his explosion," Melo added.

Halton now joins a revamped defensive front featuring Nick Bosa and offseason trade acquisition Osa Odighizuwa, along with rookie edge rusher Romello Height. The group is expected to play a key role in improving a defense that was inconsistent throughout the 2025 season.

49ers pass rush concerns linger after draft, says NFL.com

David Bonilla — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:37:33 PDT

The San Francisco 49ers still have a major offseason decision looming with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Whether the team finds a trade partner or ultimately releases him, a resolution appears inevitable in the coming months.

While that situation headlines the offseason to-do list, Kevin Patra of NFL.com identified two additional areas of concern following the 2026 NFL Draft.

The first is the 49ers' pass rush. San Francisco recorded just 20 sacks last season—the fewest in the NFL. Injuries to Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, last year's first-round draft pick, played a significant role, and the organization is banking on strong returns from both in 2026.

The 49ers took steps to address the issue, trading for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and drafting edge rusher Romello Height. Still, questions remain about whether those additions will be enough or if further reinforcements are needed.

"With Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams coming off injury, the pass rush remains a question," Patra wrote. "Can Romello Height, taken in the third round, contribute right away? Regardless, adding a veteran rotational rusher seems prudent after last year's struggles."

Despite general manager John Lynch recently tempering expectations, many continue to view the 49ers as a logical landing spot for veteran pass rusher Joey Bosa, potentially reuniting him with his younger brother, Nick.

"I know that would make Mama Bosa happy, but I don't know if we can afford him," Lynch said last month.

With the draft complete, San Francisco could revisit the possibility of adding experienced help to bolster the defensive front.

Patra also expressed intrigue on the offensive side, particularly how head coach Kyle Shanahan will deploy rookies De'Zhaun Stribling and Kaelon Black.

"I'm interested to see how Kyle Shanahan uses second-round receiver Stribling and third-round running back Black," Patra wrote. "Stribling particularly brings needed YAC ability that the corps lacks, but with the additions of Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, how much will he be involved in Year 1?"

The 49ers will likely continue to tweak their roster ahead of the 2026 season, with the pass rush and the integration of new offensive playmakers as key storylines to watch.

Todd Bowles calls Mike Evans to 49ers 'a huge loss' for Buccaneers

David Bonilla — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:28:00 PDT

The San Francisco 49ers made one of the biggest offseason splashes by signing veteran wide receiver Mike Evans, who spent the first 12 years of his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Reports indicated Evans turned down a more lucrative offer from his former team to join San Francisco, a decision that surprised many around the league.

The Buccaneers were stunned by the decision but ultimately respected Evans' choice to continue his career elsewhere.

"It was a huge loss," Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said this week on The Rich Eisen Show. "Everybody felt it—somebody that's been with the organization forever and holds all the records offensively.

"And the presence he had on and off the field to all the guys on the team, that was a big blow from that standpoint, but we understand. He got himself in a position to make that type of decision, and we had to respect that as well."

Bowles added that the organization still holds Evans in high regard, emphasizing the mutual respect between the star receiver and his former team.

In San Francisco, Evans joins a revamped receiving corps undergoing significant offseason turnover. The departures of Jauan Jennings, Kendrick Bourne, Skyy Moore, and eventually, Brandon Aiyuk, have opened the door for new additions.

Over 12 NFL seasons, Evans has totaled 13,052 receiving yards and 108 touchdowns. He has recorded at least 1,000 receiving yards in all but one of those seasons.

Evans and fellow veteran Christian Kirk now headline a group that includes Ricky Pearsall, rookie De'Zhaun Stribling, and others.

Together, they aim to provide quarterback Brock Purdy with enough firepower to sustain the 49ers' high-powered aerial attack, which ranked No. 5 in the NFL last season.

49ers officially announce two roster signings

Site Staff — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:45:00 PDT

The San Francisco 49ers have officially confirmed two previously reported roster additions, signing running back Sincere McCormick and safety Patrick McMorris to one-year deals.

McCormick's signing was first reported on Monday by Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, while McMorris' deal surfaced over the weekend via his agent.

The 49ers Communications staff provided the following rundown.

McCormick (5-8, 204) originally entered the NFL after signing with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent on May 13, 2022. Throughout his NFL career with the Raiders (2022-24), 49ers (2025), Arizona Cardinals (2025), Denver Broncos (2025), and Minnesota Vikings (2025), he has appeared in five games (two starts) and registered 39 carries for 183 yards (4.7 average) on the ground and six receptions for 29 yards (4.8 average) through the air. In 2025, McCormick spent time on the practice squads of the 49ers, Cardinals, Broncos, and Vikings.

A 25-year-old native of Long Beach, CA, McCormick attended the University of Texas-San Antonio for three seasons (2019-21), where he appeared in 37 games and recorded 724 carries for 3,939 yards (5.4 average) and 34 touchdowns on the ground to go along with 66 receptions for 509 yards (7.7 average) and one touchdown through the air. He was twice named First-Team All-Conference USA and Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year (2020-21) and earned AP Third-Team All-American honors in his final season (2021).

McMorris (6-0, 206) was originally drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round (198th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. Throughout his NFL career with the Dolphins (2024-25), New York Giants (2025), and Arizona Cardinals (2025), he has appeared in six games and registered one tackle. In 2025, McMorris spent time on the Giants and Cardinals practice squads.

A 24-year-old native of Santa Ana, CA, McMorris attended San Diego State University (2019-22) and the University of California, Berkeley (2023), where he appeared in 37 games and registered 252 tackles, 23 passes defensed, 11.0 tackles for loss, six interceptions, four fumble recoveries (one returned for a touchdown), two forced fumbles, and 1.0 sack.

49ers in post-draft power rankings: Key factor will impact 2026 success

David Bonilla — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:50:29 PDT

The San Francisco 49ers remain firmly in the upper tier of the NFL entering the 2026 season, landing at No. 6 in Pete Prisco of CBS Sports' post-draft power rankings. Two NFC West rivals—the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams—claimed the top two spots, followed by the Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, and Jacksonville Jaguars.

While questions remain about the potential impact of the 49ers' 2026 NFL Draft class, Prisco believes the team's biggest factor for success during the upcoming season lies elsewhere.

It all comes down to health.

"Their draft got panned by many, but they did end up with help at key spots," Prisco wrote. "The big thing for them is the return to health of their top players."

San Francisco was hit hard by injuries throughout the 2025 season, losing several cornerstone players for extended stretches. Quarterback Brock Purdy was among those impacted, missing significant time. Meanwhile, key defensive leaders such as Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, and Fred Warner, along with tight end George Kittle, all dealt with major injury setbacks—with Kittle's occurring during the playoffs.

For the 49ers to rebound in 2026, getting that core group back on the field and operating at full strength will be critical to a return to Super Bowl contention.

San Francisco will start its season with a trip to Melbourne, Australia, to face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 1. The team remains optimistic that both Bosa and Warner will be ready for the international opener, while Kittle has not been ruled out either.

For the 49ers, the formula for success in 2026 is simple: if their stars can stay healthy, San Francisco has the talent to compete among the NFL's elite.