The 2026 Free Agency Thread

NickyJ said:
It's only coach-speak, but if the team were interested in Stefon, I doubt Quinn would be so dismissive of it. He could find a way to say something positive about a player they're courting without saying 'but we have Stefon Diggs At Home' when referring to Dyami and Van Jefferson.

I am braced to find out that Diggs will sign with someone else for a reasonable price, whether it's AP or Harris holding the purse-strings tight.
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Yeeh judging by Keim's podcasts and lol I am not bad at diciphering his subtle ways of making points -- he's been very clear they like Aiyuk, I am getting no indication that they plan to chase Diggs. So I am expecting Diggs elsewhere.

Speaking of Keim he mentioned on his podcast today there is an interest in Rasul Douglas. Looking at his PFF scores and judging on that he'd be the best corner on the team. He said though the interest is at veteran minimum or close to it.

But yeah strong stats, picks, good PFF scores, he's big-tall, too.

Screen Shot 2026-05-22 at 11.46.15 AM.png
 
skinsinparadise said:
Yeeh judging by Keim's podcasts and lol I am not bad at diciphering his subtle ways of making points -- he's been very clear they like Aiyuk, I am getting no indication that they plan to chase Diggs. So I am expecting Diggs elsewhere.

Speaking of Keim he mentioned on his podcast today there is an interest in Rasul Douglas. Looking at his PFF scores and judging on that he'd be the best corner on the team. He said though the interest is at veteran minimum or close to it.

But yeah strong stats, picks, good PFF scores, he's big-tall, too.

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I know numbers are just numbers and don't tell the whole story, but St-Juste being on that list ahead of Christian Gonzalez makes me doubt it. Or at the very least, doubt Rasul for being 1.3 points better lol
 
NickyJ said:
I know numbers are just numbers and don't tell the whole story, but St-Juste being on that list ahead of Christian Gonzalez makes me doubt it. Or at the very least, doubt Rasul for being 1.3 points better lol
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St. Juste with crappy PFF numbers his last season in Washington, good numbers since he left. Don't know maybe Whitt was part of his demise, he didn't suck when he was a rookie.

Don't get me wrong any FA off the street especially at CB is dubious but beggers can't be choosers. But I'll take a high PFF score, low passing grade against, 2 picks, 6 '2, 209, good enough profile for me for a dude who is on the street.

 
Peters literally came out and said that the cap was only one of the factors in their budget. And they have a cash budget he has to adhere to. He's said it several times.

Also, They have spent the 4th most cash in the NFL this off-season at $226M.

This is according to Yahoo: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nfl-free-agency-spending-much-184559597.html
Tennessee Titans: $300,952,000
Las Vegas Raiders: $283,170,000
Indianapolis Colts: $235,000,000
Washington Commanders: $225,910,000
New England Patriots: $183,830,000

That's a lot of cash to spend. Would it surprise me to learn there is a cash budget for an NFL team, even one with an owner willing to spend a lot of cash? Not at all.

Now, do I think the difference of a couple of million dollars here or there is going to make a ton of difference? I personally don't.

I also don't think they're waiting out Aiyuk. Everybody knows there is interest. However, everybody also knows he's stuck on the 49ers and that isn't changing anytime soon.

Peters would be a damn fool if he thinks he can just wait out the 49ers. So I see one of a few things happening:

1. They just say "eff it we're not waiting out Kyle and Lynch's grudge match" and sign Diggs or somebody else. Diggs hasn't signed anywhere for very obvious reasons. Practically speaking, he only became available this week. He will want to talk to a few teams and will have a few spots to go. But they could, and very will might go this route.
2. They just say "eff it" and do some nominal deal with the 49ers to end this absolutely stupid and ridiculous situation. Something like a 6th for Aiyuk and a 7th. Late round pick swap plus tear up the contract and sign a new one. That's really nothing in the grand scheme of things in terms of compensation, and if they really want him, just do it and be done with. If SF wants more than that, screw them.
3. They literally just do nothing. They really are comfortable with who they have, and will then be proven right or wrong in their trust of the guys on the roster. That's going to infuriate some folks. I'm going to patiently wait and see how it plays out.

We'll see. I hope they don't make a mistake. But they could sit pat and then if they have a top 5 offense, it will all be ok. They did have a top 5 offense in 2024, and the WRs were Terry + a bunch of guys. This year they have Terry + a bunch of guys, but a more explosive TE, and better pass catching capability out of the backfield. Will it be enough? We might find out. We also might not because they might sign Diggs.
 
The only trades I might do for Aiyuk are:

1) Aiyuk and the 49ers 2028 fifth round pick for the Commanders 7th rounder. If we're taking on that contract, we're doing the 49ers a favor and they should pay it for it.
2) Aiyuk and the 49ers agree to absorb half of Brandon's contract for two years for the Commanders 6th rounder (provisional on passing a physical and making the team.)

Since I doubt San Francisco would make either deal I am against trading anything for Aiyuk. Clearly, every other team is also uninterested in trading for Aiyuk.
 
burgold said:
The only trades I might do for Aiyuk are:

1) Aiyuk and the 49ers 2028 fifth round pick for the Commanders 7th rounder. If we're taking on that contract, we're doing the 49ers a favor and they should pay it for it.
2) Aiyuk and the 49ers agree to absorb half of Brandon's contract for two years for the Commanders 6th rounder (provisional on passing a physical and making the team.)

Since I doubt San Francisco would make either deal I am against trading anything for Aiyuk. Clearly, every other team is also uninterested in trading for Aiyuk.
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There’s no way we’re taking on the contract. The only way a trade happens is if Aiyuk signs a new deal as part of the trade which wipes out his entire current contract and replaces it with a one year incentive laden low money team friendly deal.

all three sides know this: 49ers, Aiyuk, us/any team trading for him.

We’re not paying him a $20m roster bonus in September no matter what.

Which is why I think a pick swap type thing where we get a Aiyuk + a 7th for our 6th works. We love down maybe 15-20 spots and get Aiyuk in return. Thats probably fine.

Much more than that, I wouldn’t do.
 
SkinsFTW said:
Say Aiyuk 3 times real fast and you sound like a goofball.
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I wonder if this is feeding into the hesitation. Peters does not seem like someone who wants to look like a goofball.

Hmmm.🤔

Btw, there will probably be no relationship between this year and the previous years much at all. I don’t think this scheme is going to look like Kliff’s. Hoping that will work out great eventually but not holding my breath in the first at least 4-8 games. Yikes. New, green coordinator. We shall see. Exciting times ahead!
 
Voice_of_Reason said:
There’s no way we’re taking on the contract. The only way a trade happens is if Aiyuk signs a new deal as part of the trade which wipes out his entire current contract and replaces it with a one year incentive laden low money team friendly deal.

all three sides know this: 49ers, Aiyuk, us/any team trading for him.

We’re not paying him a $20m roster bonus in September no matter what.

Which is why I think a pick swap type thing where we get a Aiyuk + a 7th for our 6th works. We love down maybe 15-20 spots and get Aiyuk in return. Thats probably fine.

Much more than that, I wouldn’t do.
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I think you're spot-on with that trade range. SF can NOT afford to keep Aiyuk on their roster, yet want to at least receive something in return. Somehow this has all become a pissing contest that is actually quite childish.
 
Voice_of_Reason said:
There’s no way we’re taking on the contract. The only way a trade happens is if Aiyuk signs a new deal as part of the trade which wipes out his entire current contract and replaces it with a one year incentive laden low money team friendly deal.

all three sides know this: 49ers, Aiyuk, us/any team trading for him.

We’re not paying him a $20m roster bonus in September no matter what.

Which is why I think a pick swap type thing where we get a Aiyuk + a 7th for our 6th works. We love down maybe 15-20 spots and get Aiyuk in return. Thats probably fine.

Much more than that, I wouldn’t do.
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If we desperately want Aiyuk, the above trade scenario should have been actioned weeks ago, a swap of late picks isn’t exactly groundbreaking thinking within the league, the whole situation is ridiculous.
 
skinsinparadise said:
Yeeh judging by Keim's podcasts and lol I am not bad at diciphering his subtle ways of making points -- he's been very clear they like Aiyuk, I am getting no indication that they plan to chase Diggs. So I am expecting Diggs elsewhere.

Speaking of Keim he mentioned on his podcast today there is an interest in Rasul Douglas. Looking at his PFF scores and judging on that he'd be the best corner on the team. He said though the interest is at veteran minimum or close to it.

But yeah strong stats, picks, good PFF scores, he's big-tall, too.

View attachment 14957
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Speaking of tall outside CB's amazingly still available

1779529883864.png
 
Voice_of_Reason said:
Peters literally came out and said that the cap was only one of the factors in their budget. And they have a cash budget he has to adhere to. He's said it several times.

Also, They have spent the 4th most cash in the NFL this off-season at $226M.

This is according to Yahoo: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nfl-free-agency-spending-much-184559597.html
Tennessee Titans: $300,952,000
Las Vegas Raiders: $283,170,000
Indianapolis Colts: $235,000,000
Washington Commanders: $225,910,000
New England Patriots: $183,830,000

That's a lot of cash to spend. Would it surprise me to learn there is a cash budget for an NFL team, even one with an owner willing to spend a lot of cash? Not at all.

Now, do I think the difference of a couple of million dollars here or there is going to make a ton of difference? I personally don't.

I also don't think they're waiting out Aiyuk. Everybody knows there is interest. However, everybody also knows he's stuck on the 49ers and that isn't changing anytime soon.

Peters would be a damn fool if he thinks he can just wait out the 49ers. So I see one of a few things happening:

1. They just say "eff it we're not waiting out Kyle and Lynch's grudge match" and sign Diggs or somebody else. Diggs hasn't signed anywhere for very obvious reasons. Practically speaking, he only became available this week. He will want to talk to a few teams and will have a few spots to go. But they could, and very will might go this route.
2. They just say "eff it" and do some nominal deal with the 49ers to end this absolutely stupid and ridiculous situation. Something like a 6th for Aiyuk and a 7th. Late round pick swap plus tear up the contract and sign a new one. That's really nothing in the grand scheme of things in terms of compensation, and if they really want him, just do it and be done with. If SF wants more than that, screw them.
3. They literally just do nothing. They really are comfortable with who they have, and will then be proven right or wrong in their trust of the guys on the roster. That's going to infuriate some folks. I'm going to patiently wait and see how it plays out.

We'll see. I hope they don't make a mistake. But they could sit pat and then if they have a top 5 offense, it will all be ok. They did have a top 5 offense in 2024, and the WRs were Terry + a bunch of guys. This year they have Terry + a bunch of guys, but a more explosive TE, and better pass catching capability out of the backfield. Will it be enough? We might find out. We also might not because they might sign Diggs.
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Judging by what you hear from insiders, it would almost be shocking if they signed Stefon Diggs. It would be shocking if they traded for Brandon Aiyuk. And, it would be just as shocking if they don’t sign Aiyuk if he gets released.
At this point, what happens feels pretty predictable.

A. They’re essentially betting that Terry McLaurin at 31 is still the same player he was at 29 — same durability, same production — even though the contract situation suggests they may not fully believe that themselves. But they’ve gambled at WR this entire tenure, so why stop now?
B. They’re willing to ride with the “WR by committee” idea that Dan Quinn floated publicly — which only really works sort of if Point A holds up.
C. And even if Aiyuk shows up late (say, around September 1), they can just fold him into that committee. Maybe it’s clunky early, but in their minds, it strengthens the group over time.
Here’s my issue with all of it:
If this were the old Dan Snyder era, fine. If the goal is 9–8, tread water, and build for 2027 — then sure, roll with Dyami at Z. If Terry McLaurin gets hurt and suddenly it’s Dyami at X and Van Jefferson at Z… whatever. Live with it.
But if the goal is bigger than that — if they’re trying to show Jayden Daniels they’re serious about building around him, especially compared to the other QBs from his draft class — and if they want to prove 2024 wasn’t a fluke and actually make a Super Bowl run…
Then you go get Diggs. You stop hedging and make a real move. I just don’t think they will.

Could they get by like they did in 2024? Maybe. But I doubt it.
That version of the offense had a 29-year-old Terry playing at his peak. Counting on the 31-year-old version to carry that same load — without a legitimate #2 — feels like a stretch. Also 2024 had every break you can dream of. The weakest schedule in the NFL. Almost perfect health. Last play heroics, etc.
 
Just some random thoughts from Logan in his podcast on Wrs

Feels like he believes more in Mccaffrey than Lane. Him and Grant talked about McCaffrey's struggles in camp, but looked better in real games. Lane the opposite, great in camp sharper than McCaffrey but not as good as McCaffrey in the real games.

You can tell he has some skepticism about Burks, talking about him being a raw route runner in college, his type of WR/stylistically -- contested catches doesn't work in today's NFL the way it once did.

Conversely, Antonio Williams, crisp route runner, that style tends to fit today's game.
 
skinsinparadise said:
Just some random thoughts from Logan in his podcast on Wrs

Feels like he believes more in Mccaffrey than Lane. Him and Grant talked about McCaffrey's struggles in camp, but looked better in real games. Lane the opposite, great in camp sharper than McCaffrey but not as good as McCaffrey in the real games.

You can tell he has some skepticism about Burks, talking about him being a raw route runner in college, his type of WR/stylistically -- contested catches doesn't work in today's NFL the way it once did.

Conversely, Antonio Williams, crisp route runner, that style tends to fit today's game.
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It does seem like the team is counting on a combo of McCaffrey and Dyami to be steady with McCaffrey notching his game up in his 3rd year. There has been less talk about Burks. It feels like they are praying for catching lightening in a bottle with him but he is a total roll of the dice
 
DWinzit said:
It does seem like the team is counting on a combo of McCaffrey and Dyami to be steady with McCaffrey notching his game up in his 3rd year. There has been less talk about Burks. It feels like they are praying for catching lightening in a bottle with him but he is a total roll of the dice
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Forgot which reporter said it, but one of them doesn't rule out Burks not making the roster.

I am guessing this is what they think:

A. Antonio Williams is going to be good to great. So much buzz about how high they are on him

B. Dyami or McCaffrey hold the fort at Z until Aiyuk is ready.

Do I think that works? Not sure. But I think its a disaster if Terry gets hurt again. For me its not just having a #2 to have a #2 but what happens if you lose your #1? If you got a collection of #4s then, its 2025 all over again, play man, crowd the box, blitz Jayden.
 
ES1974 said:
If we desperately want Aiyuk, the above trade scenario should have been actioned weeks ago, a swap of late picks isn’t exactly groundbreaking thinking within the league, the whole situation is ridiculous.
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First, I don't think we DESPERATELY want Aiyuk. I don't think they're banking on him being anything. If I had to guess, they want another guy, he's a guy they know, and they think he could be had for cheap. It's a low risk, high reward bet they could place. If it doesn't work out, it really doesn't matter. If it does work out, it has huge upside possibilities.

And doing it weeks ago vs. now really doesn't matter that much in the grand scheme of things. They haven't really started the on-field part off the off-season workout program, so it really doesn't matter.

I've said before I think a really legitimate possibility is this goes into the season, and then SF finally releases him because they're finally convinced nobody is going to give up anything for him, and then he gets put on the practice squad for a while to see where he's at.

The next few weeks are going to be really telling. If they really do think he can contribute, then this is actually the time to do it so he can participate in the on-field part of the off-season.

We're actually FINALLY at the point in the off-season where something could happen. And it will be one of two things:
1. Nothing happens. This is either because there is absolutely no interest from anybody, or because a team would be willing to do a trade like the one I suggested above but that's not good enough for SF.
2. Aiyuk is traded. This means somebody has some nominal interest in him at the very least, he wants to go to that team, and the 49ers are ok with the compensation. It's VERY important that Aiyuk is on board, because his side would have to essentially negotiate a new deal as part of the trade.

If he's not here in the next 2-3 weeks, I think that says a lot about either our level of interest, or SFs stubborness to get more than a late round pick-swap. And the late round pick swap idea has been thrown out there by a few insiders. Standig is one who tossed it out, I think JP has as well. I don't know if any others have. I don't know if there's getting that from anywhere or brainstorming.
 
skinsinparadise said:
Judging by what you hear from insiders, it would almost be shocking if they signed Stefon Diggs. It would be shocking if they traded for Brandon Aiyuk. And, it would be just as shocking if they don’t sign Aiyuk if he gets released.
At this point, what happens feels pretty predictable.
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Always expect the unexpected. :) I agree that's what we're hearing, and it might be right. It's also the safe bet. It also could change if they don't like what they see in OTAs and mini-camps.

skinsinparadise said:
A. They’re essentially betting that Terry McLaurin at 31 is still the same player he was at 29 — same durability, same production — even though the contract situation suggests they may not fully believe that themselves. But they’ve gambled at WR this entire tenure, so why stop now?
B. They’re willing to ride with the “WR by committee” idea that Dan Quinn floated publicly — which only really works sort of if Point A holds up.
C. And even if Aiyuk shows up late (say, around September 1), they can just fold him into that committee. Maybe it’s clunky early, but in their minds, it strengthens the group over time.
Here’s my issue with all of it:
If this were the old Dan Snyder era, fine. If the goal is 9–8, tread water, and build for 2027 — then sure, roll with Dyami at Z. If Terry McLaurin gets hurt and suddenly it’s Dyami at X and Van Jefferson at Z… whatever. Live with it.
But if the goal is bigger than that — if they’re trying to show Jayden Daniels they’re serious about building around him, especially compared to the other QBs from his draft class — and if they want to prove 2024 wasn’t a fluke and actually make a Super Bowl run…
Then you go get Diggs. You stop hedging and make a real move. I just don’t think they will.

Could they get by like they did in 2024? Maybe. But I doubt it.
That version of the offense had a 29-year-old Terry playing at his peak. Counting on the 31-year-old version to carry that same load — without a legitimate #2 — feels like a stretch. Also 2024 had every break you can dream of. The weakest schedule in the NFL. Almost perfect health. Last play heroics, etc.
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The only thing I'd point out is that I think there are other areas of the roster which I think are better than 2024, and if you're going to have a hole somewhere on offense and have to committee it, WR2 isn't the worst spot to have it.

- The OL is better if for the only reason Tunsil is a top 5, maybe better, LT in the league. While LG is going to be a competition, Paul played well enough last year to say it won't be a weakness in the "worst case" that he wins the competition, Allegretti is a perfectly servicable center, Cosmi is a top 10 RG, and Coleman had a really good rookie year.
- They are going to get more explosive plays from TE. Ertz was great in the red zone and 3rd down, but he was slow as molasses and couldn't really operate more than 10 yards from the LOS. Chig is a significant upgrade in athleticism and explosiveness from the TE position. I really think they went hard after WR with Pierce and Doubs, and when they didn't get either one, instead of signing another mid-tier WR, they went for TE to get a similar type of production, just from a different position.
- The RB position is going to be RB by committee. But I think it's better than 2024. The guy who I think gets lost is Rachaad White, who's a very capable pass-catcher out of the backfield. His best season was 2023, where he was the featured back in Tampa, and he had 990 yards rushing and 550 yards receiving. Even last year, as a backup, he had 572 yards rushing and 218 yards passing. They also have Bill, the guy they drafted, and a few other guys. The moment they signed White I thought it was because they are going to use some 2 RB sets, and use him as a receiver out of the backfield.
Which
I really think the difference is going to be the way the offense is constructed. I think Blough is going to run the offense through the running game, and then through the middle of the field. That's the Ben Johnson style. Which de-emphasizes the outside WRs, and emphasizes the RBs, TE's and slot WRs. Which is why they drafted Williams.

The one place where I completely agree with you, they NEED McLaurin to stay healthy, and they're placing a big bet on that. I personally wouldn't make that bet. And if it doesn't happen, there really isn't a good replacement for him at all. Last year at least they had Deebo. Who isn't at all that guy, but is at least big, strong, tough, competitive and an NFL starting WR caliber WR. They don't have that guy if Terry gets hurt, and THAT is a huge, enormous, mega risk.

Which is why I would actually sign Diggs over Aiyuk. Whether they will or not is yet to be seen. I have no idea if Aiyuk could fill in if Terry gets hurt. He might be able to. But he hasn't played a game since a horrific knee injury in 2024, and he's been a head case ever since. I know Diggs could step into the role.

I know the reporting isn't leading that way. So we'll see.
 
I'm pretty sure this has been asked, but why is the FO holding out for the release of a WR coming off a MAJOR knee injury who hasn't played a game in almost two calendar years?
 
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