49ers head into 2026 NFL Draft with 'not a ton of needs' after recent free-agent moves

AFC EastBillsDolphinsJetsPatriotsAFC NorthBengalsBrownsRavensSteelersAFC SouthColtsJaguarsTexansTitansAFC WestBroncosChargersChiefsRaidersNFC EastCommandersCowboysEaglesGiantsNFC NorthBearsLionsPackersVikingsNFC SouthBuccaneersFalconsPanthersSaintsNFC West49ersCardinalsRamsSeahawksScores & ScheduleStandingsFantasyNFL OddsNFL PicksNFL DraftPodcastsScoop City NewsletterNFL Draft UpdatesThe BeastTop 300 RankingsConsensus Rankings7-Round Draft Order2026 NFL Draft The 49ers finalized a two-year contract extension with left tackle Trent Williams. Kevin Sabitus / Getty Images Share articleSANTA CLARA, Calif. — As the NFL Draft approaches, some San Francisco 49ers coaches have names circled on the team’s draft board. Take new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. “He’s funny,” general manager John Lynch said Monday. “His whole thing all draft is, ‘If we draft this guy, I’m throwing a pool party.’ So we’re hoping we’re having a lot of pool parties for Raheem.” Monday was the first day of school at the 49ers facility, as players were in for the start of voluntary workouts and reporters were on hand for Lynch’s league-mandated, pre-draft news conference. It also happened to be the day the 49ers finalized a two-year contract extension with left tackle Trent Williams. “I’m juiced,” quarterback Brock Purdy said. “There’s a buzz in the building,” Lynch said. “The players are back (and) there’s a buzz because of what Trent means to this place. So, we’re very excited.” Many have given the 49ers an offensive tackle early in their mock drafts as a potential replacement for the 38-year-old Williams. Lynch was asked what his signing does to the draft board. “Probably not a whole lot,” Lynch said. “I think, in general, what free agency did this year, what signing a guy like Trent and having some finality there, probably leaves you a little more comfortable in various scenarios. But I think what I liked about what we did in free agency this year is that there’s not a ton of needs.” Lynch said it’s a deep draft at defensive end, offensive line and receiver, and the 49ers are going to “just let this thing come to us” when they pick at No. 27. Reporters asked whether he were open to trading up or down, and you will never guess what he said … Sure. He’s wide open, and for good reason. A year ago, Lynch said he had only 20 players with first-round grades in the draft pool — and this year that number is smaller as kids are staying in school and getting paid. “Everybody always says college was the most fun they ever had,” Lynch said. “And now they’re being presented with a lot of motivation to stay.” Lynch thinks the lack of star power will force more trades during the draft. “Because I think like the top half of the first round probably runs out a little quicker in terms of what people deem true impact players,” he said. “Now … I believe there’s a lot of impact beyond that, but I do think there’s gonna be a lot of movement this year.” The 49ers do have a clear need at defensive end, and if they don’t get one, would Lynch revisit his earlier comments that free agent Joey Bosa, Nick’s brother, is too expensive to add? “I’ll never say never, but I do think we were aggressive this offseason, made a lot of adds, and I think now that the focus really turns to the draft,” Lynch said. “We’ll never close the door to things like that, (but) I think we’re at a place where we’re comfortable with what we’ve done.” Meanwhile, the 49ers would still love to trade disgruntled and AWOL receiver Brandon Aiyuk during the draft for a late-round pick, but odds are they might just wind up cutting him later. “I’ve had some discussions,” with teams, Lynch said. “Do I think it’s a high probability? No.” Mike Evans will make Purdy better: Purdy was excited about the team’s signing Evans and immediately watched film of the receiver catching passes from Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks Tom Brady and Baker Mayfield. “Obviously a big frame, which is always nice for a quarterback, especially outside at receiver,” Purdy said. “But also, even going into the red zone, watching some clips of what him, Tom and Baker did with certain routes that he did creating leverage, being able to throw up back shoulders and just really getting that guy in one-on-one situations. “As a quarterback, you sort of dream of those situations, so watching the film and understanding this is a guy that can help me with my game, being aggressive and taking those one-on-one shots, and also watching his route-running ability, his quick game and his in-breakers. He can do everything, man.” Purdy was working out with tight end George Kittle when he heard the news of the signing. “I was like, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’” Purdy said, smiling. “And up in George’s weight room, he’s got a Mike Evans jersey. So I was like, ‘All right, sick.’” Kittle has long been a fan of Evans and was heavily recruiting the receiver when free agency started. Evans wound up taking less money to leave Tampa Bay and sign with the 49ers. “That was all George,” Purdy said. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms