Heading into the regular season, no team has more cap space in 2026 than the San Francisco 49ers. In fact, according to Over the Cap, the 49ers' $45.8 million is more than $12 million more than Robert Saleh's Titans.
Of course, teams are mindful of spending, as they need to keep future contracts and extensions in mind. On the surface, the Niners are over the cap in 2028 with just 42 players. But that is still accounting for Brandon Aiyuk's $42.35 million cap hit in '28. I'm going to go out on a limb and say Aiyuk won't be on the roster in 2028 — just a hunch.
The 49ers have the financial flexibility to add an impact player on ahead of the trade deadline. According to general manager John Lynch, the team can make it easy on the front office if they're going to consider making any deals: Win.
Lynch told The San Francisco Standard, That's not like a charge to a team, 'Hey, you want us to keep adding? Go earn it. But that's just the reality of this league. Put yourself in position, then if it fits and the deal's right, then yeah. I think our history shows we're not averse to that, but I do believe you have to put yourself in position to even have those conversations."
The Niners have been linked to pass rushers all offseason. That won't change after Sam Okauyinonu was ruled out for Week 1 with a foot injury. If Sam O is out for multiple weeks, and Mykel Williams misses the first four games on the PUP , the need for another capable body becomes dire.
Maxx Crosby remains on the radar. The Raiders are starting Kirk Cousins in 2026. If they have a winning record by the trade deadline in that division, Cousins will have worked miracles.
There were some names thrown out as potential trade targets in a feed post earlier this week:
The one worth pushing the chips into the middle of the table is Jared Verse.
He's 26 with two years left on his rookie contract. In theory, you could exercise Verse's fifth-year option. Realistically, you're signing him to an extension after this season. He won't be cheap, but it'd be worth it. You'd also have an easier time convincing Verse to sign an extension as opposed to the Browns. Plus, there's a little added incentive, as he'd have the opportunity to stick it to the Rams twice a year, and potentially again in the playoffs.
These are the kinds of discussions the 49ers will have over the next couple of months. That is, if they win.
