As the NFL offseason progresses, the San Francisco 49ers have actively managed their roster. After securing nine of their free agents and seeing thirteen others move to new teams, a select group of nine former 49ers players from the 2025 season are still exploring their options in the free-agent market. This article delves into these remaining players, examining their contributions and the possibility of their reunion with the San Francisco team. Notably, linebacker Bryce Huff, who announced his retirement earlier in the offseason, is not included in this review.
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings, a seventh-round draft pick by the 49ers in 2020 out of Tennessee, has been a significant presence for the team over the past six seasons. Throughout his tenure, Jennings has amassed 210 receptions, totaling 2,581 yards and 22 touchdowns. His performance in the previous year was particularly noteworthy, as he stepped into the role of the team's primary wideout, demonstrating his evolving importance to the offense. His availability on the market suggests teams are still evaluating his role and value.
Veteran punter Thomas Morstead, who joined the 49ers in 2025 after playing for several other NFL franchises including the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, and Miami Dolphins, is also among the free agents. A Super Bowl champion and one-time Pro Bowler, Morstead recorded an average of 43.6 yards per punt last season. Despite this average, he achieved a career-best 50% of his punts being downed within the 20-yard line, showcasing his precision and strategic impact on field position. His experience and accuracy could still be valuable assets.
On the defensive line, Clelin Ferrell made a return to the 49ers after a two-year absence, signing midway through the 2025 season. In just eight games, Ferrell quickly made his presence felt, tying for the team lead in sacks with four. His immediate impact highlights his capability to bolster a defensive front. Also on the defensive end, Yetur Gross-Matos, who joined the 49ers in 2024 on a two-year deal after his time with the Carolina Panthers, played in 19 games over two seasons, tallying 27 tackles and four sacks. Both players could offer depth and pass-rushing ability.
Defensive lineman Kevin Givens, an undrafted free agent from Penn State who signed with San Francisco in 2019, has spent seven seasons with the team. During his time, he accumulated 92 tackles, eight sacks, three passes defensed, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. His long tenure with the 49ers underscores his consistent performance and familiarity with the team's defensive schemes. Linebacker Eric Kendricks, another late-season addition in 2025, joined after stints with the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, and Dallas Cowboys. Although he recorded only six tackles in three regular-season games, Kendricks started both playoff games, registering an impressive 19 postseason tackles, proving his ability to perform under pressure.
Rounding out the list are cornerback Tre Tomlinson and defensive end Tarron Jackson, both of whom faced significant injury setbacks. Tomlinson, a former Los Angeles Rams sixth-round pick, signed with the 49ers last offseason but suffered a season-ending injury in May, preventing him from playing in the 2025 campaign. Jackson, who joined San Francisco's practice squad at the end of the 2024 season and signed a reserve/futures contract, also missed the entire last season due to a neck injury sustained in July. Their recovery and health will be critical factors in their future prospects. Lastly, wide receiver Trent Taylor, who had two separate tenures with the 49ers, spent four seasons initially before returning for the last two. In 43 games with the team, he recorded 80 receptions for 742 yards and three touchdowns, but a back injury sidelined him for all of last season, impacting his market value.
This group of nine athletes, encompassing various positions and experience levels, represents the final cohort of San Francisco's 2025 roster still seeking employment post-NFL Draft. Their diverse backgrounds, from seasoned veterans to players overcoming injuries, paint a picture of ongoing roster fluidity. Each player's journey reflects the competitive nature of the NFL free agency, with their next move eagerly anticipated by fans and analysts alike, as they could potentially return to the 49ers or find new opportunities elsewhere in the league.
