49ers free agency targets: How San Francisco could use its NFL-leading cap space

According to the details on Trent Williams' contract extension, the San Francisco 49ers now reportedly have about $70 million in salary cap space. The question, therefore, is how that money should be used.

Some of the money is allocated to the rookie contracts that will be signed this summer. Considering the 49ers selected no one in the first round, and the majority were in the fourth round or later, the cap impact of these eight players should be relatively small.

Future contracts must also be taken into account. Quarterback Brock Purdy's cap hit will jump, and Nick Bosa's contract will increase to a huge amount from 2026 to 2027. That, one can assume, means the 49ers may spend a good part of the coming year negotiating an extension that will lower that number. We can assume his number still will go up significantly, just not to an unworkable level.

All that said, though, there will be some room for the 49ers to add some players. They likely won't be splash signings (those players are already spoken for), but that does not mean general manager John Lynch can't sign players who might compete for starting jobs.

Here are some potential targets.

Joel Bitonio, Guard

The weakest part of the 49ers' offensive line is left guard. The 49er brass admitted as much when they announced that 2026 draft pick tackle Carver Willis would move from tackle to guard and compete with last year's seventh-round pick Connor Colby and veteran Robert Jones, an occasional starter on a mediocre Miami Dolphins offensive line.

Joel Bitonio is 34 but an excellent guard. Also, he would be a good mentor to Willis as he changes positions.

Kevin Zeitler, Guard

Kevin Zeitler is similar to Bitonio but a little older (36). With either, though, the team would not be looking at a long-term contract—no more than two years. Either would be a very good bridge to whoever the long-term solution is, be that Willis, another draft pick next year, or a young free agent next year.

Kyle Van Noy, Linebacker

Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw are the two starting linebackers. That is set in stone. However, on base downs, a third linebacker lines up next to them. Dee Winters filled that role in the past, but he is no longer with the team. Kyle Van Noy is a veteran who has won two Super Bowls. He has also had success rushing the passer, with 12.5 sacks just a few years ago. He also apparently wants to play in San Francisco.

Jadeveon Clowney, Edge

Though Jadeveon Clowney is 33, he still has some pop. Last season, he recorded 8.5 sacks and 9.5 two years before. He would not be a starter but would provide good depth as a situational pass rusher on either side of the line. We saw how the pass rush disappeared last year when the two starting defensive ends went down.

Taylor Decker, Offensive Tackle

The 49ers' powers-that-be seem to think Colton McKivitz is just fine at right tackle. While his run blocking might be acceptable, his pass blocking is poor, and the 49ers have a very expensive quarterback who needs to remain upright and healthy. Taylor Decker would be a definite upgrade.

Von Miller, Edge

Von Miller is similar to Clowney but brings something Clowney does not: leadership. Miller is a Super Bowl champion and is likely looking for a one-year deal. He made a difference in the Rams' Super Bowl season and helped push them over the edge. He might be able to do the same in San Francisco. While Nick Bosa is a beast at his position, he has never been known as a vocal leader. I am not saying he is a problem in the slightest—just that Miller brings that quality.

The 49ers won't likely make any moves until the post-June 1 cuts. Sometimes, very good players become available after that. San Francisco's last strong center, Jonathan Goodwin, during the Harbaugh years, was a post-June 1 signing. Hopefully, a good player or two will be available then, and general manager John Lynch will bring more talent on board.