5 players still lingering in free agency who would instantly improve 49ers

Niner Noise · Jul 21, 2026 12:00 · 3 min read

5 players still lingering in free agency who would instantly improve 49ers — Carolina Panthers linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (7) | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

The San Francisco 49ers' roster seems pretty set, but these veterans in free agency could still improve the team.

It may feel like the San Francisco 49ers’ roster is pretty set in stone right now, but there is still time left for general manager John Lynch and Co. to make some moves ahead of the start of training camp and the preseason.

There are some pretty obvious areas of need, so the Niners can still peruse the free-agent pool one last time and pick up a couple of players who would immediately improve the squad.

Let’s take a look at five who would do just that.

Jadeveon Clowney

Edge rusher is seemingly always a need for San Francisco, and since the Joey Bosa dream feels unlikely, Jadeveon Clowney is not a bad backup plan.

The 33-year-old veteran had 8.5 sacks with the Dallas Cowboys last season. His defensive coordinator there was Matt Eberflus, who is now an assistant coach for San Francisco.

Clowney would give the 49ers a proven veteran option, and even though he’d probably miss some time due to injury, he can still get the job done and get to the quarterback when he’s on the field.

Kevin Zeitler

Left guard is a position that is up in the air right now, and if the Niners did not make a move, it would most likely come down to a competition in camp.

They could change that into a competition for a backup role by signing Kevin Zeitler.

He’s played right guard for basically his whole career and made the Pro Bowl back in 2023. If they signed him, maybe they could move Dominick Puni over to left guard or maybe just stick Zeitler there, but he’d undoubtedly make the offensive line stronger.

Xavier Woods

Safety is another position that is giving some fans unease ahead of the season. Signing veteran Xavier Woods would at least bring another veteran into the mix.

He had two interceptions last season and would give that position group some needed depth.

Austin Ekeler

It may seem odd to bring in an older, injury-prone running back to back up Christian McCaffrey, but Austin Ekeler’s ability to be a threat as a pass catcher is key even if he doesn’t have the same juice he used to.

He could at least be a guy they take a look at to see if he’s got anything left in the tank, and if not, they can cut him. But he’d at least be a proven option behind McCaffrey, because if he goes down, then it’s up to unproven players like Kaelon Black and Jordan James.

Marshon Lattimore

While Marshon Lattimore is not the same player he was earlier in his career with New Orleans, he is still a veteran with a great track record. If nothing else, he could be something of a mentor to the younger cornerbacks on the roster.

The Niners may not want to take a chance on these older players and instead want to give younger players a chance, but there’s something to be said for experience, and if they want to improve the roster, these are some of the better options they have.