Internet GMs, assemble: If you think you can do a better job than Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch at running the 49ers, here’s your chance.
Our build-your-roster tool is back for a 2026 run. You can even have the satisfaction of cutting Brandon Aiyuk (see cell C33 in the attached sheet). With NFL free agency beginning next week, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work.
The task is simple, but it won’t be easy. Unlike Lynch, you don’t have any NFL Combine press conference duties. But you do have a roster to build. Potential free-agent signees, selectable in drop-down menus at each open spot, have estimated cap hits. It’s your job to assemble a team whose sum of 2025 cap hits finishes not just under the absolute limit but with room to spare for 2026.
Leaving carryover room is mandatory if we’re going to realistically simulate how the 49ers are operating with their A-list core of players. So you’ll be asked to leave at least $20 million of carryover salary-cap room.
Lombardi’s Build-Your-Own 49ers Roster
Hit the “Create a copy” button to start building your own 49ers roster.
In recent years, the 49ers have structured every big contract in a way that uses bonus prorations (available thanks to a handy NFL accounting rule) to push the majority of salary-cap impact into future years, when the cap is expected to be larger. This roster builder assumes the 49ers will continue employing this amortization technique, which is the NFL version of taking out a zero-interest loan.
That’s why you can use the roster builder to extend left tackle Trent Williams or restructure the contract of edge rusher Nick Bosa, thereby lowering his 2026 cap hit. But in doing so, you must simultaneously realize that all money the 49ers pay or reallocate with Williams or Bosa will have to eventually hit the salary cap — and backloading will cause it to hit in heavier doses over future years. Therefore, it’s vital to constantly budget for the future.
Key rule: Unused salary-cap space carries over from season to season.
If you cross under the $20 million threshold, cell C13 will turn red — and your 2026 49ers roster won’t qualify you for The Standard’s NFL Internet GM of the Year award.
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You can win some recognition by building a good, cap-compliant roster with ample carryover space. Make sure to take a screenshot of your submission and send it via X to @LombardiHimself.
This year’s builder features more optionality than ever before. On top of the ability to fill openings at every position with a wide range of free-agent signings or the 49ers’ pool of seven draft picks, there are more than 15 specialized player transaction options. To cut or trade a player, adjust his cap hit using the corresponding guide and check the box at right to reduce the roster count.
The builder begins with 16 open spots on the 53-man roster and about $49 million of 2025 salary-cap space.
This exercise should foster appreciation for the importance of the NFL Draft. The 49ers’ seven picks are slated to total just $10.6 million of 2026 cap charges. Signing players in free agency is much more expensive — often exponentially so. The mock draft option at the bottom left gives you the chance to fill in names of specific draftees for your team.
All right, enough talk. It’s time to get to work. Build those cost-efficient rosters and send those screenshots to @LombardiHimself when you’re done. We’ll pick the best ones in a few days.