The 49ers’ top NFL free agency targets heading into the 2025 offseason

The San Francisco 49ers find themselves in a spot they last saw after the 2020 season. They begin the offseason going from NFC champions to a six-win team. And now they can start thinking about NFL free agency period.

However, 2025 represents one of the most important offseasons for the 49ers. The front office must decide whether Brock Purdy is the future and consider handing him a blockbuster, market-changing deal. Franchise cornerstones George Kittle and Deebo Samuel are about to expire. Even Pro Bowl safety Talanoa Hufang will hit the free agent market.

All of these names are really high priorities for the Niners. However, we also have to think about who the CEO is John Lynch and the front office can deal with it in the off-season. There are three names that should come up as the main desire for SF Time to dive into who the top free agent priorities are for the 49ers, and whether Lynch can help afford each of them.

Charvarius Ward will help dictate things. The NFC champion cornerback is in the final year of his contract. Ward is even considering his future after personal family issues surfaced during the 2024 season.

Jackson is a similar age, as he is currently 29 and won’t turn 30 until November. The Pittsburgh Steelers veteran also has a bad back. But the 49ers can welcome his history of stuffing the run and his ball-catching skills.

Jackson can be a cheap option next to CB Deommodore Lenoir at $92 million. The veteran is coming off an impressive campaign with five interceptions, which is now a career high.

The Niners should consider the proven opposite of a “hyena” as a hawk. Jackson looks like the best to fill that spot, even if it’s a two- to three-year deal with a lucrative salary. The 49ers they currently have $52.8 million in cap space for work, per Over The Cap.

Jevon Holland, safety, Miami Dolphins

We mentioned Hufang as a likely free agent who won’t return to the Bay Area. This gives the 49ers a chance to keep some youth in the safety department. But also bring back the Bay Area native.

Holland starred for Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland during his prep years. He has since become one of the best safeties in the league plus a crafty hitter. Holland grabbed two tackles behind the line of scrimmage and forced a fumble. 24 year old too delivered seven games allowing just one reception to his sideaccording to Pro Football Focus.

Perhaps his Oregon Ducks teammate can help facilitate the move: 49ers CB Deommodore Lenoir, who entered the league with Holland from Eugene in 2021.

Elandon Roberts, linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers

Adding another Steelers defensive player to the mix. Except the arrival of Elandon Roberts makes a lot of sense to dive closer.

The 49ers fell to 18th overall in the series. Plus, Dre Greenlove looks like he’ll be a very desirable LB if he leaves SF via free agency.

Roberts is an older option at 31. However, he comes with proven running back experience. Roberts even topped the 100-catch mark twice not too long ago — in 2022 and 2023. San Francisco should also love two great items on his fingers: Super Bowl rings from his New England Patriots days. He would be a cheap but experienced defender in this LB room.

Teven Jenkins, guard, Chicago Bears

Defense can’t be the only focus for Lynch and company. The trenches need to be re-equipped. That’s where Teven Jenkins comes in as a big possibility.

The Niners are set at right guard with Dominic Punie. But this offensive line needs changes after watching Purdy take on too much pressure from defenses.

Jenkins has struggled to stay healthy. But he has surrendered just one sack in his last six games – which is during 207 total pass blocking attempts per Pro Football Focus. SF may also like his versatility as a former tackle. But here he can strengthen the left guard.