Jan. 25, 2026, 9:15 p.m. PT

It’s rare that the San Francisco 49ers use their franchise tag during an offseason. We may see that rare occurrence in 2026.

There are 21 players eligible for franchise tags among the 49ers’ 2026 free agents. Among those 21, only kicker Eddy Pineiro stands out as a real candidate for the tag.

General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have typically been conservative about using the team’s franchise tag on pending free agents, opting instead to either sign them to long-term deals or trade them for draft capital.

The only time they’ve used a franchise tag since taking over as the GM and head coach in 2017 was in 2019 when kicker Robbie Gould was set to hit free agency. Gould held out for a long-term deal and ultimately agreed to a four-year, $19 million deal with $10.5 million guaranteed instead of playing on the one-year, $5 million tag.

We may see something similar this offseason, although it’s unclear whether Pineiro would hold out the same way Gould did.

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After joining the 49ers in Week 2, Pineiro went 28-for-29 on field goal tries in the regular season with his only miss coming on a 64-yard try that hit the crossbar. He was also a perfect three-for-three in the postseason. Given the 49ers’ kicking woes it would make sense that they’ll aim to keep Pineiro in the building.

By placing the projected $6.7 million tag on Pineiro the 49ers can ensure he stays with them for at least this season while also continuing to work on an extension that makes the Bay Area his long-term home. Teams can place franchise tags on players beginning March 3. They’d then have until July 15 to work out a multiyear extension.

The only other player who might receive a franchise tag is wide receiver Jauan Jennings, but Over the Cap projects the tag for a wide receiver to clear $28 million for one year. San Francisco may desire a reunion with Jennings. They’re likely ready to pass at that exorbitant price tag.

That opens the door for the 49ers to use their tag on Pineiro to ensure some stability at the kicker position for at least one year with the chance of making him their kicker for the foreseeable future.

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