49ers Eyed as Ideal Landing Spot for 3 Top Free Agents

San Francisco could add veteran pass-rush help, a reunion with Deebo Samuel, and another Bosa brother.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:07pm by Ben Kaplan

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The San Francisco 49ers have been identified as the ideal landing spot for three remaining high-profile NFL free agents: pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and defensive end Joey Bosa. The 49ers could look to add veteran talent to bolster their roster, especially on the defensive line where they struggled with injuries and lack of production in 2025.

Why it matters

The 49ers had the NFL's worst pass rush in 2025, finishing with just 20 sacks. Adding proven veterans like Clowney and Bosa could help shore up that weakness and take pressure off young stars like Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams as they return from injury. A reunion with Deebo Samuel could also provide a boost to the offense and help manage the workload of running back Christian McCaffrey.

The details

The 49ers made several notable free agent additions this offseason, including wide receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, as well as trading for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. However, the team may not be done reshaping the roster. Veteran pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney, who had 8.5 sacks for the Cowboys in 2025, could provide a needed boost to the 49ers' struggling pass rush. A reunion with former 49ers star Deebo Samuel, who was traded to Washington last year, could also make sense as a way to lighten McCaffrey's workload. And despite the team downplaying their chances, the 49ers could still make a push to sign pass rusher Joey Bosa, who had a strong 2025 season with the Bills.

  • The 49ers focused on extending their core talent in free agency in 2025, but have been more aggressive this offseason.
  • Jadeveon Clowney recorded 8.5 sacks for the Cowboys in 2025.
  • Deebo Samuel's production dipped in 2025 with the Commanders, averaging a career-low 10.1 yards per reception.
  • Joey Bosa led the NFL with 5 forced fumbles in 2025 while with the Bills.

The players

Jadeveon Clowney

A veteran defensive end who recorded a team-high 8.5 sacks for the Dallas Cowboys in 2025.

Deebo Samuel

A wide receiver who was traded from the 49ers to the Washington Commanders in 2025, but saw his production dip that season.

Joey Bosa

A veteran pass rusher who had 77 career sacks and led the NFL with 5 forced fumbles in 2025 while with the Buffalo Bills.

Nick Bosa

The 49ers' star defensive end who missed time in 2025 due to a torn ACL.

Mykel Williams

The 49ers' young defensive lineman who also suffered a torn ACL in 2025, ending his season early.

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What they’re saying

“Adding a healthy, proven pass rush threat along the edge in Clowney would relieve some of the urgency on those two (Bosa and Williams) to rush back from their injuries. Plus, Clowney already has plenty of pass-rush chemistry with new 49ers defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa after suiting up together in Dallas last season.”

— Garrett Podell, CBS Sports Writer

“It would make all the sense in the world for Samuel to come back home to San Francisco. Kyle Shanahan will certainly look to lighten running back Christian McCaffrey's workload after 413 touches in the regular season. That's the most in a season since Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray's 449 back in 2014. McCaffrey also turns 30 years old on June 7.”

— Garrett Podell, CBS Sports Writer

“Joey Bosa was an underrated piece of the Buffalo Bills' defense. He's not the same guy he was in the late 2010s because of injuries, but Pro Football Focus grades him as their seventh-highest graded pass-rushing edge defender with an 88.7 grade in 2025. He also led the league with five forced fumbles. Bosa can help stabilize any team's pass rush this offseason.”

— Garrett Podell, CBS Sports Writer

What’s next

The 49ers will continue to monitor the free agent market and evaluate their options as they look to further bolster their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The 49ers have been aggressive in free agency this offseason, but they may not be done making moves. Adding proven veterans like Jadeveon Clowney, Deebo Samuel, and Joey Bosa could provide a major boost to the team's pass rush and offensive firepower as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign.