49ers signing WR Christian Kirk to a one-year, $6 million deal
“Over eight NFL seasons, Kirk has appeared in 106 games, totaling 432 receptions for 5,415 yards and 30 touchdowns. He has also contributed 22 rushing attempts for 159 yards and returned 57 punts for 382 yards. Kirk was named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team following his debut season in 2018.”
Mike Evans’ contract reveals why 49ers may have gotten the steal of NFL free agency (Paywall) “Evans counts only $4.25 million
against the cap in 2026, which should help the 49ers address other roster needs this offseason.
He could also make up to $18 million in incentives over the life of his three-year deal. The 49ers are not on the hook for that money unless the future Hall of Fame wideout can return to form and stay healthy — in which case, he’s doing big things on the field that might propel the team into serious Super Bowl contenders.”
49ers aren’t finished at WR and DL despite adding Mike Evans and Osa Odighizuwa (paywall)
“The missing piece appears to be the fleet-footed edge rusher new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris has had at previous jobs. The draft has a lot of prospects who fit that description, including Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell, Texas Tech’s Romello Height, Central Florida’s Malachi Lawrence and Oklahoma’s R. Mason Thomas. Height is scheduled to visit team headquarters before the draft.”
49ers’ contentious approach to contracts comes with a cost. Trent Williams knows there will be blood (paywall)
“The 49ers want to lower Williams’ team-high salary cap number ($38.8 million) by signing him to an extension that would lessen the 2026 burden. And Lynch has acknowledged that Williams’ age is a complicating factor. That is, how much money should the 49ers guarantee Williams in 2027 when he’ll be in his age-39 season?
It’s true that the two sides are working with a deadline, which can ratchet up the intensity on contract talks: Williams is due a $10 million bonus on Friday.
Still, there appears to be a reasonable solution. The 49ers could comfortably carry Willliams’ salary on their 2026 books because they aren’t facing a salary cap crunch: Last week, they received a cap adjustment and restructured pass rusher Nick Bosa’s contract, transactions that gave them more than $38 million of additional space. They could have Williams play out his contract this season and use a high-end pick in the 2026 or 2027 draft to select his replacement.”
