49ers' Future Impact
49ers Make Under-the-Radar Offseason Moves That Could Shape Their 2026 Roster
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The San Francisco 49ers kept a low profile this offseason, but several quiet moves could pay off big by 2026. The team re-signed 38-year-old left tackle Trent Williams and made a handful of other under-the-radar additions that deserve a closer look, according to Mod Bee.
None of these moves made headlines. But depth, development, and smart roster-building often matter more than splashy signings. Here is what to watch.
Trent Williams Returns at 38, Still a Cornerstone
Re-signing Trent Williams was the most important move of the offseason. Williams is 38 years old, which sounds old for a professional football player. But he is still considered one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Left tackle protects the quarterback's blind side — it is one of the most important jobs on the team, according to Herald Sun.
The big question is how much he has left in the tank. If Williams plays at a high level, the 49ers' offensive line stays elite. If he breaks down, San Francisco will face a serious problem protecting their quarterback, Bellingham Herald noted.
Connor Colby Eyes a Starting Spot at Left Guard
Second-year pro Connor Colby could be handed a starting job at left guard. That is a big opportunity for a young player with limited NFL experience. Left guard is a key piece of any offensive line. Colby impressed enough in his first year to earn serious consideration for the starting role, per Ledger-Enquirer.
If Colby steps up, the 49ers could have a cost-effective starter locked in for years. That kind of internal development is how good teams stay competitive without overspending in free agency, Myrtle Beach Online reported.
Free Agent Additions Bryson Eason and James Thompson Show Promise
The 49ers also signed free agents Bryson Eason and James Thompson this spring. Both players looked promising during offseason workouts. Eason is a receiver who could contribute as a pass-catcher. Thompson is a big body who could help on the defensive line, according to Star-Telegram.
Neither signing is a guaranteed starter. But both players showed enough to earn a real shot at making the roster. Depth signings like these are often overlooked — until a starter gets hurt and a backup suddenly has to play, Kansas City Star noted.
Alfred Collins and the Defensive Line's Upside
The signing of defensive lineman Alfred Collins is another move worth watching. Collins is a big, physical player who could take up space and free up other pass rushers. A strong defensive line is the engine of San Francisco's defense, per Fresno Bee.
The 49ers' depth along the defensive front will be tested in 2025. If Collins and Thompson both develop, San Francisco could enter 2026 with one of the better defensive lines in the NFC. That is the kind of long-term thinking that defines how this front office operates, Tri-City Herald reported.
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