49ers Eyeing Star Free Agents to Bolster Roster

Clowney, Samuel, and Bosa among top targets for San Francisco in offseason

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:59am by

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football game, with the players and field broken down into overlapping planes of green, gold, and red, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The 49ers' offseason moves signal an ambitious strategy to build a roster capable of competing for a championship.San Francisco Today

The San Francisco 49ers have been active in free agency this offseason, making key additions like wide receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, as well as acquiring defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa via trade. Now, the 49ers are being linked to several high-profile free agents, including pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and defensive end Joey Bosa.

Why it matters

The 49ers are looking to build a well-rounded, versatile roster that can compete for a Super Bowl. Addressing their pass rush and wide receiver needs could be crucial to their success, especially with the potential return of star players like Nick Bosa and Christian McCaffrey.

The details

The 49ers had an NFL-low 20 sacks last season, so adding a proven pass rusher like Clowney could provide a significant boost. The team is also exploring a reunion with Deebo Samuel, who had a down year after forcing his way out of San Francisco in 2025. Additionally, the prospect of pairing Joey Bosa with his brother Nick on the defensive line is an enticing possibility, though the team's ability to afford Joey remains in question.

  • The 49ers have been active in free agency since the start of the new league year in March 2026.
  • Deebo Samuel played for the 49ers in 2025 before requesting a trade.

The players

Jadeveon Clowney

A veteran defensive end who had a strong season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025, Clowney could provide much-needed pass-rushing help for the 49ers.

Deebo Samuel

A wide receiver who previously played for the 49ers, Samuel is being explored as a potential reunion target after his production dipped in 2025 following his trade request.

Joey Bosa

A star defensive end who has played for the Los Angeles Chargers, Bosa is being linked to the 49ers as a potential addition to pair with his brother, Nick Bosa, on the defensive line.

Nick Bosa

A star defensive end for the 49ers, Nick Bosa could benefit from the addition of his brother, Joey Bosa, to the team's pass-rushing unit.

Christian McCaffrey

The 49ers' star running back, McCaffrey had an impressive 413 touches in the regular season and could see his workload managed better with the potential addition of Deebo Samuel.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to build a roster that can compete at the highest level. These potential additions would be game-changers for us.”

— John Lynch, General Manager, San Francisco 49ers

What’s next

The 49ers will continue to monitor the free agent market and explore options to further strengthen their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

The 49ers are being aggressive in free agency, targeting high-profile players to address key needs and build a well-rounded, championship-caliber team. Their ability to land these coveted free agents could be the difference-maker in their pursuit of a Super Bowl title.