Nick WagonerMar 9, 2026, 04:49 PM ET

CloseNick Wagoner is an NFL reporter at ESPN. Nick has covered the San Francisco 49ers since 2016, having previously covered the St. Louis Rams for 12 years, including three years (2013 to 2015) at ESPN. In over a decade with the company, Nick has led ESPN’s coverage of the Niners’ 2019 and 2023 Super Bowl run, Colin Kaepernick’s protest, the Rams making Michael Sam the first openly gay player drafted to the NFL, Sam’s subsequent pursuit of a roster spot and the team’s relocation and stadium saga.

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NFL free agency is almost set to begin, and we’re keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2026 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts.

The start of the new league year, when most deals can become official, is Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. The first round of the 2026 NFL draft begins April 23 on ESPN.

Here’s a breakdown of every 2026 NFL free agent signing by the San Francisco 49ers and how each will impact the upcoming season:

Evans has agreed to a three-year deal worth $60.4 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

What the signing means: There was never any doubt that the Niners would strongly address wide receiver in free agency. But it’s a bit of a surprise that a team that has been prioritizing youth and speed splashed big on a 32-year old coming off an injury-plagued season in which he played just eight games. Before that, Evans was one of the most consistently productive receivers in league history, posting 11 consecutive seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards to start his career. Evans provides a big red zone target but with Brandon Aiyuk and (probably) Jauan Jennings on the way out, the Niners are far from done reshaping their receiver room this offseason.

Lowe agreed to sign a two-year, $12 million contract with $5.75 million guaranteed, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

What the signing means: The 49ers have bigger offensive tackle fish to fry with star Trent Williams in need of a reworked contract but in Lowe, they at least added some depth to a position that needs it. Lowe started 25 games in three seasons in New England, including four on the left side in 2025. Lowe projects as a swing tackle in San Francisco, working behind Williams right tackle Colton McKivitz, though he could also stick more on the left with Austen Pleasants on the right. San Francisco still must figure out a contract solution for Williams and what to do at left guard, where it needs a starter.

The 49ers re-signed Pineiro to a four-year contract days before he was set to become a free agent.

What the signing means: The 49ers should have long-term stability at a position that has lacked it since Robbie Gould‘s departure following the 2022 season. Former third-round pick Jake Moody simply didn’t provide the consistency the Niners had hoped with that showing up on some of the game’s biggest stages. But Piñeiro offered a strong approximation of Gould after joining the Niners in Week 2. He went 28-of-29 and ranks in the top three among kickers in field goal percentage since 2000. Coach Kyle Shanahan doesn’t like having to worry about the kicker spot and Piñeiro should provide him peace of mind in 2026 and beyond.