49ers' Offseason Praised Despite Only Four Roster Moves

ESPN analyst highlights key additions that have improved the team despite limited transactions.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 6:05pm by Ben Kaplan

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The San Francisco 49ers have received high praise for their offseason moves so far, despite making only four roster additions. ESPN's Aaron Schatz highlighted the team's key acquisitions, including wide receiver Mike Evans, defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, offensive lineman Vederian Lowe, and the re-signing of linebacker Dre Greenlaw. While the 49ers still have needs at pass rusher and running back/wide receiver depth, these moves have positioned the team as one of the top-five most improved in the NFL according to Schatz.

Why it matters

The 49ers have been a consistent playoff contender in recent years, but injuries and roster turnover have prevented them from reaching the Super Bowl since the 2019 season. These strategic offseason additions, even in limited quantity, demonstrate the team's ability to identify and acquire key talent that addresses their specific needs and elevates the overall roster.

The details

The 49ers' four key offseason moves include signing free agent wide receiver Mike Evans, trading for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, signing offensive lineman Vederian Lowe, and re-signing linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Evans provides the team with a big-bodied, experienced receiver to complement their existing pass-catching corps. Odighizuwa is a talented interior pass rusher acquired via trade, while Lowe adds valuable offensive line depth. Greenlaw's return shores up the linebacker unit after a difficult 2025 season in Denver.

  • The 49ers made these roster moves during the opening week of the 2026 NFL free agency period.

The players

Mike Evans

A 6-foot-5, 231-pound wide receiver who was signed in free agency to provide the 49ers with a big, physical pass-catching threat.

Osa Odighizuwa

A defensive tackle acquired via trade, Odighizuwa is expected to bolster the 49ers' interior pass rush.

Vederian Lowe

An offensive lineman signed in free agency to provide depth and versatility along the 49ers' offensive front.

Dre Greenlaw

A linebacker who re-signed with the 49ers after a difficult 2025 season with the Denver Broncos.

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What they’re saying

“The 49ers made only one major signing, but it was a really good one. Evans is exactly the kind of receiver that the 49ers were missing in a couple of ways.”

— Aaron Schatz, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

“Lowe is not the best player out there, however, he fits well in San Francisco as a swing tackle just in case something happens with Trent Williams' contract situation or in case the 37-year-old Williams comes back but gets hurt during the 2026 season.”

— Aaron Schatz, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)

What’s next

The 49ers will continue to monitor the free agent and trade markets for additional roster improvements, particularly at pass rusher and in the backfield.

The takeaway

Despite a limited number of transactions, the 49ers have made strategic moves that have significantly improved key areas of their roster, positioning them as one of the top offseason improvers in the NFL according to league analysts. This demonstrates the team's ability to identify and acquire high-impact talent that addresses their specific needs.