San Francisco addressed a need in free agency on Tuesday. What is left for the team to do?
The 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone, as the San Francisco 49ers are now transitioning to their offseason program, with voluntary workouts beginning last week.
San Francisco elected to stick and pick, making all 11 of their draft selections this past weekend, addressing some key needs on both sides of the ball.
Following the draft, Tuesday was the first day that teams could sign free agents without being affected by the compensatory formula, which has been a major help for the 49ers in the draft over the last few years.
So, it wasn’t a surprise that San Francisco made a move, signing former Pro Bowl offensive tackle D.J. Humphries in free agency to likely fill the team’s vacant swing tackle role behind starters Trent Williams and Colton McKivitz.
The 49ers had lost Jaylon Moore to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency on a three-year, $45 million deal, so there was a need for tackle depth, especially after San Francisco did not select one during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Now, following the signing of Humphries, what other needs do the 49ers need to address in free agency?
Defensive Line
The 49ers drafted multiple defensive linemen in the draft, selecting Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams in the first round, Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins in the second round, and Indiana defensive tackle C.J. West in the fourth round.
So, is the defensive line really a need for the 49ers? Possibly.
While San Francisco added to the depth in the room, they still could very well add more talent that is ready to compete in 2025. Here’s how the defensive line room currently looks:
Defensive ends: Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, Yetur Gross-Matos, Robert Beal, Sam Okuayinonu, Drake Jackson, Alex Barrett
Defensive tackles: Kevin Givens, Jordan Elliott, Alfred Collins, C.J. West, Evan Anderson, Kalia Davis
The 49ers have traditionally carried nine to 10 defensive linemen on their 53-man roster, and may need more depth this year without the top-end talent outside of Bosa.
Bosa, Williams, and Gross-Matos seem like locks currently at defensive end. They could add another veteran body to compete in that group. Remember, the 49ers tried to add Joey Bosa in free agency before being outbid by the Buffalo Bills.
Defensive tackle is a more open picture, as there’s an argument for all six players to make the roster, but it’s unclear who actually is a lock for the group. Veteran competition would be welcomed there as well.
Safety
The 49ers drafted a safety, Kansas State’s Marques Sigle, in the fifth round of the draft. They also signed Jason Pinnock and Richie Grant in free agency.
So, could safety actually be a need? Again, it’s possible, especially with the injury to Malik Mustapha.
While San Francisco has bodies in the room, they don’t have any clear-cut Day 1 starters. Ji’Ayir Brown struggled in 2024 and doesn’t have a starting job locked up. Grant and Pinnock are depth pieces on one-year deals. George Odum has been primarily a backup used on special teams. And Sigle is a fifth-round pick.
There are a few starting-caliber veterans in free agency right now that could immediately boost the 49ers’ safety room. Giving a call there wouldn’t hurt, especially with the Hufanga injury.
Kicker
The 49ers acknowledged that they probably would add veteran competition at kicker back at the end of the season, while providing confidence in Jake Moody.
While Moody faced injuries last year, the 49ers need much better results at kicker than they got in 2024. They’re bringing in rookie kicker Kenny Almendares for a tryout, and he could end up being the main competition for Moody.
But, a veteran would also be welcomed into the conversation and strengthen the competition at the position.
There are a number of available options, including Zane Gonzalez, Austin Siebert, Eddy Piniero, and Michael Badgley, among others.