A whopping number of 29 players are slated to become free agents for the San Francisco 49ers in March. However, 21 of them will be unrestricted free agents.

The other eight are restricted or exclusive free agents, so they’re essentially at the 49ers’ whim. What matters the most are the unrestricted free agents.

Those are the players that the 49ers have to decide who they want to keep and who they will let walk. To get a sense of what the 49ers will do, I ranked all 21 players by importance to re-sign.

K Eddy PineiroEddy Pineir

Oct 19, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker Eddie Pineiro (18) reacts after kicking a field goal against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

This is wild to say, but the most important free agent the 49ers need to bring back is kicker Eddy Pineiro. He was clutch for the 49ers in 2025.

And after all of the kicking woes from Jake Moody for over two years, it’s nice to finally trust a kicker. Bring back Pineiro and don’t think twice.

WR Skyy MooreSkyy Moore

Nov 16, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Skyy Moore (9) runs with the ball in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images | Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

It had been years since the 49ers had a kick/punt returner who could threaten on every chance given. They have that with Skyy Moore.

He’s an electric returner who was close a couple of times to making a house call. The 49ers should bring him back and ensure their special teams are secured.

DE Clelin FerrellClelin Ferrell

Nov 2, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) is sacked by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Despite being a midseason addition, Clelin Ferrell tallied four sacks for the 49ers. Now, he’s not an impactful pass rusher, but he can flash.

Ferrell is stronger as a run defender, and the 49ers could use veteran depth on the edge. He’s worth bringing back at a position of need. 

LB Luke GiffordLuke Gifford

Sep 28, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Luke Gifford (57) during the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

He may not have been that solid of a contributor on defense, but Luke Gifford is sound on special teams. That’s why he earned a Pro Bowl nod. Keep the special teams tight-knit by re-signing him.

WR Jauan JenningsJauan Jennings

Dec 14, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) scores a touchdown against Tennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker (37) during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

It would be awesome to have Jauan Jennings back, but the 49ers made it clear last Summer that they were letting him walk. He’ll be too expensive to re-sign as opposed to when they could’ve extended him. 

WR Kendrick BourneKendrick Bourne

Sep 28, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The 49ers may want Kendrick Bourne back for the energy he brings and his connection with Mac Jones. But he probably increased his value and will sign elsewhere.

DL Jordan ElliotA 49ers helmet

Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a San Francisco 49ers helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

It wasn’t a great year for Jordan Elliot, but he’s in the same boat as Ferrell. Veteran depth on the defensive line is needed, and he helps with that. The rookies from 2025 should be able to take on more and keep him in a reduced role. 

RB Brian Robinson Jr.Brian Robinson Jr..

Nov 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Brian Robinson Jr. (3) celebrates after a play during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Having Brian Robinson Jr. back to rotate with Christian McCaffrey is welcomed, but Robinson likely wants a larger role than what the 49ers can give him. He’s as good as gone.

OL Spencer Burford Spencer Burfor

August 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Spencer Burford (74) during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

He was okay starting at left guard, but the 49ers don’t need Spencer Burford. They’ve proven they can find anyone and make them fine next to Trent Williams. Burford will probably be unnecessarily expensive anyway. 

LB Eric KendricksEric Kendrick

Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Eric Kendricks (43) celebrates after breaking up a pass on fourth down against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

If Eric Kendricks is okay with being behind Fred Warner or maybe beating out Dee Winters, he’d be a solid re-signing. Alas, he likely heads elsewhere with his value up. 

LB Garret Wallow 

Another surprise performer was Garret Wallow. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring him back as depth. 

DL Kevin Givens

Once, he was a decent rotational player, but the 49ers couldn’t find a role with him. He was a healthy scratch numerous times, so he’s done with the Niners. 

LB Curtis Robinson

The same goes for Curtis Robinson. He’s been decent on special teams and is sufficient depth. 

DE Yetur Gross-Matos

It was great to have Yetur Gross-Matos when he was healthy. He had a sizable impact as a pass rusher, but he’s unreliable. Let him go. 

OL Ben Bartch 

Let him walk. He can’t stay on the field for more than a quarter without getting injured. 

OL Matt Hennessy 

The 49ers have spoken highly of Matt Hennessy before, so maybe they bring him back for depth. But he’s replaceable. 

S Jason Pinnock

He simply wasn’t good at all. Robert Saleh wanted him, which is why he joined the 49ers. He’ll likely sign with the Titans to follow Saleh. 

P Thomas Morstead

There’s no rush in bringing back Morstead if the 49ers think there’s better out there. 

LS Jon Weeks

Long snappers are replaceable

RB Patrick Taylor

Doesn’t matter. Just a training camp body. 

WR Trent Taylor

Stop bringing him back to the 49ers. Enough is enough. 

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