The San Francisco 49ers, armed with significant remaining salary cap space, are being linked to several high-profile veteran free agents as they look to solidify their roster ahead of the NFL Draft. With approximately $30 million in cap room, the ninth-most in the league, speculation is intensifying that the NFC contenders may not be finished with their offseason maneuvers.

A new analysis from CBS Sports has identified the 49ers as a potential ideal fit for three notable remaining free agents: edge rushers Jadeveon Clowney and Joey Bosa, and former franchise star wide receiver Deebo Samuel. This comes after what has been widely viewed as a successful initial wave of free agency for General Manager John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan.

The most pressing need appears to be a pass rush that catastrophically collapsed last season. San Francisco’s defense recorded a league-worst 1.18 sacks per game in 2025, the lowest figure ever for a playoff team. The retirement of key contributor Bryce Huff has further exacerbated the need for proven pressure off the edge.

Jadeveon Clowney, 33, is cited as a logical and cost-effective target. Despite his age, Clowney is coming off a resurgent 8.5-sack season with the Dallas Cowboys, his highest total since 2023. Analysts note his scheme versatility and enduring physicality could provide vital depth behind stars like Nick Bosa and Mel Williams.

“Clowney would be a cheap veteran who would add a lot of physicality to this team,” the report stated, suggesting he could be part of a defensive front capable of manhandling opponents without needing to be an every-down starter. His ability to play in multiple defensive alignments adds to his appeal for the 49ers’ scheme.

In a more surprising and emotionally charged connection, the analysis proposes a reunion with Deebo Samuel. Now 30, Samuel’s production has declined from his All-Pro peak, but CBS Sports argues he could have a specific role in preserving the health of star running back Christian McCaffrey.

The logic centers on using Samuel in his old “wide-back” role to absorb some of the short-area touches that would otherwise go to McCaffrey, who is also 30 and coming off a massive 413-touch regular season. “Bringing back Samuel to fill in for McCaffrey on some checkdowns and screens… could maximize the former’s skill set while preserving the latter for postseason football,” the report concluded.

However, the likelihood of a Samuel return is considered low following the 49ers’ acquisitions of veteran receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, moves that signaled a clear offensive transition. The team appears focused on getting younger at the skill positions, making a sentimental reunion a long shot.

The most intriguing name linked to the Bay Area is Joey Bosa. The possibility of uniting Joey with his brother, Nick Bosa, has been a league-wide storyline for years. Now 30 and with a history of injuries, Joey Bosa is viewed as a potential situational pass rusher who could help fill the void left by Huff’s retirement.

While not the explosive force of his prime, Bosa earned a top-five pass rush grade from Pro Football Focus last season with the Buffalo Bills and led the NFL with five forced fumbles—a area where the 49ers have struggled. “Bosa can help to stabilize any team’s pass rush this offseason,” the analysis noted, highlighting his advanced technique and power moves.

The 49ers’ front office now faces a strategic decision: address the glaring pass rush need through the draft later this month or supplement the roster with a proven, if older, veteran like Clowney or Bosa on a short-term deal. Prospects like Aake Meador or Malachi Lawrence could be targets if they fall to San Francisco at pick 31.

With the draft looming at the end of April, the 49ers’ $30 million war chest provides uncommon flexibility for a team that played in the last two NFC Championship Games. Whether they use it to bring back a beloved star, unite a legendary brother duo, or simply add a savvy veteran for the stretch run, their next moves will be closely scrutinized.

The coming weeks will reveal if these rumors materialize into signings or if the 49ers choose to conserve resources and build exclusively through the draft. One thing is certain: in a league where the margin for error is razor-thin, San Francisco is actively exploring every avenue to return to the Super Bowl.

Rumors suggest San Francisco is aiming to stack elite talent on both sides of the ball.