49ers to rely on internal depth ahead of training camp
The San Francisco 49ers are expected to bypass major signings of players such as Stefon Diggs and Joey Bosa before camp, with the front office targeting the November trade deadline for external acquisitions.
The San Francisco 49ers are unlikely to pursue high-profile free agents such as Stefon Diggs, Deebo Samuel, or Joey Bosa before the start of training camp, according to reports. General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan are expected to prioritise internal roster players over external acquisitions during this period, a strategy that aligns with the organisation’s historical approach to squad construction.
If the team intended to secure major external talent, those negotiations would likely have been concluded by now. Instead, the front office is projected to lean on established veterans to cover for rookies or second-year players who may not perform as expected. Christian Kirk and Demarcus Robinson are expected to assume larger responsibilities if younger players such as De'Zhaun Stribling struggle to make an immediate impact.
This reliance on internal talent is a hallmark of the Lynch and Shanahan regime. The organisation has consistently demonstrated a preference for betting on its own roster before pursuing significant moves via free agency or the trade market. While adding high-quality depth is acknowledged as beneficial for a Super Bowl-contending squad, the current timing suggests the front office is not convinced the roster is ready for a late-July overhaul.
The current squad is described as talented but aging, with more uncertainty surrounding its elite players than in previous seasons. Injury concerns and unknowns among the group of young players have led the administration to hold off on signings that may not bear fruit. The 2025 acquisition of defensive end Keion White from the New England Patriots serves as a recent example of the team adding young players on the margins rather than pursuing marquee names.
A more realistic timeline for the 49ers to add new talent is the November 10 trade deadline. The front office intends to evaluate roster performance and health before making moves. If veterans perform strongly and young players develop, the team may pursue significant trade acquisitions. Conversely, if the roster struggles, the organisation is more likely to add marginal depth to provide immediate lift while retaining long-term upside.
