49ers Prepare for Free Agency with Key Roster Moves

San Francisco, CA — As the NFL offseason approaches, the San Francisco 49ers have made significant strides in shaping their roster for the upcoming season. The team announced it will tender contracts to all seven of its Exclusive Rights Free Agents in anticipation of the new league year.

Though there’s been no official confirmation of the players, sources indicate that each will be under one-year minimum contracts returning either to the 53-man roster or the practice squad in 2025. The list includes notable players such as edge rusher Sam Okuayinonu and defensive tackle Evan Anderson, both of whom made major contributions during the last season.

Okuayinonu, who joined the 49ers practice squad during the 2023 NFL playoffs, became an essential part of the defensive lineup in 2024. His performances gained recognition as he transitioned from an inconsistent roster presence to a stable contributor—becoming the team’s second-most efficient edge rusher. Although his sack numbers were modest at four, he generated an impressive 23 pressures and attained a defensive grade of 61.6.

“During true pass-rush sets, I was able to maintain 100 percent efficiency, which is something I take pride in,” Okuayinonu stated. His two batted passes also led the team, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks.

Complementing Okuayinonu’s efforts was Evan Anderson, an undrafted free agent who exceeded expectations in 2024. At 6-foot-3 and 326 pounds, Anderson emerged as the highest-graded run defender among the 49ers’ interior defensive linemen. He recorded 12 run stops, sustaining an impressive 8.2 percent run-stop percentage throughout the season.

“I never expected to perform at this level so soon,” Anderson remarked. “It’s all about work ethic and making the most of opportunities.” His performance also landed him as the third-highest graded defensive lineman in true pass-rush sets.

The 49ers’ Exclusive Rights Free Agents list further includes Alex Barrett, Jalen Graham, Jake Tonges, Austen Pleasants, and Mason Pline. Barrett, the longest-tenured 49er since 2020, is expected to provide veteran leadership. Graham, despite spending time on the practice squad during his rookie season, gained valuable game experience in 2024, totaling eight tackles and one for a loss through eight games.

The offseason will also present an opportunity for the 49ers to refine their coaching staff, recently reuniting with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and hiring Brant Boyer for special teams. These appointments, along with the anticipated roster changes, are viewed as necessary steps in aiming for a more competitive 2025 season.

“We are focused on aligning the coaching staff and roster to maximize our potential,” said 49ers’ general manager. “These machinery changes are critical for our future success in the league.”

As the countdown to free agency diminishes, the 49ers will continue to evaluate their roster, looking to build on their strength as a postseason contender.