The 10 Best Realistic Free Agent Targets for the San Francisco 49ers

It is easy to say that the San Francisco 49ers should just sign every top free agent, but harder to put together when realizing the team needs to put an entire roster together within the confines of the salary cap.

While it is always best to shoot for a best-case outcome, who are some realistic free agents that the 49ers could land that would make this portion of the season feel good?

Najee Harris, RB

Sep 15, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) hands the ball off to Los Angeles C — Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

The best case would be for Brian Robinson Jr. to return but if he leaves for more opportunity, Harris could take on the role. He is coming off an Achilles tear, but had four straight 200-plus carry seasons before that.

He is a former first-round pick, and the lighter workload in San Francisco would allow him to heal properly and give San Francisco his best. It does not hurt that he is from the area as well. This is the best backup RB option per dollar.

Romeo Doubs, WR

Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) runs after the catch for a first down again — David Banks-Imagn Images

Doubs is expected to make a good chunk less than Jauan Jennings, but can fill a majority of the things that he is asked to do.

David Njoku, TE

Dec 7, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) walks off the field after the game against the — Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Njokue can complement George Kittle when Kittle is healthy, but when Kittle is gone, he can also cut into the loss.

Joel Bitonio, LG

Sep 7, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio (75) at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken B — Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

The 49ers would have the most prestigious left side of the offensive line in the entire NFL. Bitonio would get to play for a winning team after an amazing career with the Cleveland Browns.

Zion Johnson, LG

Jul 25, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers guard Zion Johnson (77) during training camp press conference at The — Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

If the 49ers want to go younger at guard, Johnson is the best option. He is a former first-round pick with a lot of experience and would be a good scheme fit.

John Franlin-Myers, DL

Nov 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Myers (98) reacts against the Las Vegas Raider — Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Interior defensive line does not have strong options available this offseason, which is why Franklin-Myers may have to be a priority.

Odafe Oweh, Edge

Dec 27, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh (98) and linebacker Daiyan Henley (0) r — Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Oweh is the edge rusher that San Francisco needs to upgrade over Bryce Huff with speed and pass rush.

Kwity Paye, Edge

Indianapolis Colts defensive end Kwity Paye (51) tackles San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) on Monday, — Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

If they wanted to spend to upgrade over Yetur Gross-Matos, Paye would be the fit. He may have been underutilized in Indianapolis, but he is an imposing run defender with first-round traits.

Devin Bush, LB

Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) exchanges words with Cleveland Browns l — Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Bush showed on the Cleveland Browns that he can be Pro Bowl caliber with the right linebacker next to him to keep him in line. Bush would be a big upgrade if Fred Warner can help him in the ways Carson Schwesinger did, and he will not cost too much because the majority of his career has been a letdown.

Nick Cross, S

Dec 22, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross (20) tackles San Francisco 49ers running back — Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Cross is athletic and has plenty of starting experience. He would immediately compete for a starting job and would not cost much.