The 49ers have taken a predictable step regarding their exclusive rights free agents (ERFA).
According to Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap, the team is tendering all of its ERFAs, ensuring their return for the 2025 season.
DT Evan Anderson
DE Alex Barrett
LB Jalen Graham
DE Sam Okuayinonu
OL Austen Pleasants
TE Jake Tonges
TE Brayden Willis
Exclusive rights free agents have minimal negotiating power due to their limited accrued seasons. As long as a team tenders them a contract, they remain with the team—essentially a franchise tag for lower-tier players.
However, Evan Anderson is far from low-tier. Bringing him back was an easy decision, as he was one of the few standouts on the defensive line. The rest of the ERFAs serve primarily as depth pieces.
The 49ers can’t let everyone go, and these tenders come at a minimal cost. This stage of the offseason is like American Idol—the team either says yes to a player or lets them walk.
49ers Listed as ‘Dream’ Fit For Star CB
After a disappointing 6-11 season that saw the San Francisco 49ers finish last in the NFC West, they’re likely eager to reshape their roster this offseason. Free agency, which kicks off on March 12, will be a key part of that process.
One area in need of improvement is the secondary, and reinforcements could be on the way. In a recent Pro Football Focus article, Marcus Cameron linked cornerback D.J. Reed—who’s set to hit free agency—as an “offseason dream scenario” for the 49ers.
“Reed and the 49ers should have a mutual interest in reaching a deal to reunite the cornerback with his former defensive play caller in New York,” he wrote. “Robert Saleh highly values outside cornerbacks who can stand up in man coverage in his scheme, something Reed has excelled at, earning an 83.1 man coverage grade in their time together.”
Reed is coming off a strong season with the New York Jets, where he was targeted 63 times, allowing 36 completions for 406 yards, two touchdowns, and an 87.1 passer rating.
He would be a significant upgrade for the 49ers’ defense, which showed inconsistency in 2024—ranking eighth in total yards allowed per game (317.4) but tied for 27th in points allowed per game (25.6). However, bringing him in won’t be cheap. According to Spotrac, Reed’s market value is currently estimated at $14.7 million per year.
