49ers Weigh Franchise Tag Options Ahead of Key Offseason

Team has used tag just once in 10 years under Lynch and Shanahan

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The San Francisco 49ers have only used the franchise tag once in the 10 offseasons since John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan took over the team's leadership. In 2019, they placed the tag on kicker Robbie Gould, but ultimately signed him to a contract extension instead of having him play under the tag.

Why it matters

The franchise tag is an important tool for NFL teams to retain key players, but it can also be a contentious issue with players. How the 49ers approach the tag this offseason could impact their roster and salary cap management as they look to build on recent success.

The details

The 49ers have been selective in their use of the franchise tag, only using it once on Robbie Gould in 2019 before signing him to a long-term deal. This offseason, the team will need to evaluate which, if any, of their impending free agents are worthy of the tag, which comes with a hefty one-year salary.

  • The 49ers have used the franchise tag once in the 10 offseasons since 2016.
  • In 2019, the team placed the franchise tag on kicker Robbie Gould.

The players

John Lynch

General manager of the San Francisco 49ers since 2017.

Kyle Shanahan

Head coach of the San Francisco 49ers since 2017.

Robbie Gould

Kicker who was franchise tagged by the 49ers in 2019 before signing a contract extension.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The 49ers will need to decide in the coming weeks whether to use the franchise tag on any of their impending free agents, and how that would impact their salary cap and roster construction for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The 49ers have been judicious in their use of the franchise tag, only using it once in the past 10 years. However, as they look to build on their recent success, their approach to the tag this offseason will be an important factor in their offseason planning.