The San Francisco 49ers enter 2026 as one of the deepest, most well-constructed teams in the NFL. After a B+ offseason from ESPN, Kyle Shanahan's squad added Mike Evans on a below-market deal, traded for Osa Odighizuwa, and locked up Trent Williams. With Brock Purdy at quarterback and arguably the league's best situation at the position, the 49ers are legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Here's the full camp preview.
Mike Evans Signs in San Francisco
The 49ers pulled off one of the best value signings of the offseason, landing Mike Evans on a three-year, $42.5 million deal — just $14.3 million fully guaranteed in 2026. Evans, a six-time Pro Bowler, joins a receiver room that already includes Brandon Aiyuk (returning from injury), Deebo Samuel, and Christian Kirk, who was also added in free agency. First-round... actually, the 49ers didn't have a first-round pick. Their first selection came at No. 33 overall, where they drafted Ole Miss wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling — a pick ESPN questioned. But with Evans, Aiyuk, Samuel, Kirk, and Stribling, the 49ers have arguably the deepest receiver room in the NFC.
Trent Williams Locked Up
The biggest move of the offseason might have been keeping the most important player not named Purdy: left tackle Trent Williams signed a new two-year, $50 million deal with $37 million fully guaranteed. Williams, at 38, is still playing at an All-Pro level, and keeping him happy ensures Purdy's blind side is protected. The 49ers also traded a third-round pick for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, adding a disruptive interior presence alongside Nick Bosa. Javon Hargrave was cut to clear cap space.
Quarterback Depth
Brock Purdy is the starter, and he's been everything the 49ers hoped for when they drafted him. But the backup situation is fascinating: Mac Jones has been the subject of trade rumors all offseason, with the 49ers reportedly asking for a second-round pick. Jones played well in eight starts when Purdy was injured last season, and Shanahan values his familiarity with the system. Adrian Martinez and Kurtis Rourke provide veteran and developmental depth. The 49ers have the best QB room in the league and might not even need to trade Jones unless a desperate team calls during camp.
Other Additions
Guard Robert Jones was signed to bolster the offensive line. Kaelon Black, an Indiana running back, was drafted in the third round to add depth behind Christian McCaffrey. The 49ers also expressed interest in free agent edge rusher Joey Bosa and guard Kevin Zeitler, though neither has signed as of camp. The defense returns most of its core — Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, Charvarius Ward, Talanoa Hufanga — and should be among the league's best again.
2026 Schedule
The 49ers open in Melbourne, Australia against the Rams on Monday Night Football in Week 1 — a huge NFC West statement game. The home opener is Week 2 against Miami, followed by Arizona and Denver. The bye comes in Week 8. Key games: at Seattle (Week 5), at Dallas (Week 10), vs. Minnesota in Mexico City (SNF, Week 11), vs. the Rams (Week 14), at Kansas City (Week 16), and vs. Philadelphia (SNF, Week 17). The schedule is loaded, but the roster is too.
Camp Storylines
Can Purdy take the next step and join the elite QB tier? Will Aiyuk be fully healthy after his injury? How does Evans fit into Shanahan's scheme? Can the defense maintain its top-5 form without some veteran depth? The 49ers are one of the three most talented rosters in the NFC. Training camp will answer whether they're ready to turn that talent into a Super Bowl run.
Rebecca Hayes
Rebecca Hayes writes sports features, previews, and event coverage with a focus on the people, trends, and storylines that fans care about.