With the 2025 NFL season concluded and the Seattle Seahawks clinching the Lombardi Trophy, all eyes are now on the offseason, where teams like the San Francisco 49ers are strategizing for future success. The 49ers, aiming for a championship run at SoFi Stadium next year, are confronted with important roster decisions, particularly concerning their impending free agents. A central figure in these deliberations is linebacker Garret Wallow, whose performance and contract status necessitate careful evaluation by the team's leadership, Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch. The team's choices regarding Wallow will play a significant role in shaping their defensive lineup for the upcoming season, balancing experience with the need for depth.
Garret Wallow's 2025 journey was marked by a challenging start and a pivotal turnaround. After missing the entire 2024 season due to a pectoral injury, Wallow joined the Denver Broncos in August. His tenure there was brief, as he was waived after participating in seven games. The 49ers then claimed him, integrating him into their squad. In San Francisco, Wallow primarily contributed to special teams during four regular-season appearances. However, due to injuries within the team, he stepped into a starting role for both playoff games, showcasing his capabilities with 12 tackles and one pass defensed. This late-season surge has complicated the 49ers' decision-making process, highlighting his potential value despite previous setbacks.
The 49ers' linebacker corps for 2025 appears robust at the top, with the anticipated return of Fred Warner, complemented by promising talents like Dee Winters, Tatum Bethune, and third-round draft pick Nick Martin. Nevertheless, the team recognizes the critical need for enhanced depth, a lesson underscored by the injury challenges faced in the previous year. To address this, San Francisco has several options. They could opt to re-sign current players such as Curtis Robinson, Luke Gifford, or Eric Kendricks, who are familiar with the team's system. Alternatively, they might explore the free-agent market for new talent, with names like Amen Ogbongbemiga, Troy Reeder, or Jack Sanborn potentially on their radar. These considerations are vital to ensure the team can withstand the rigors of a full season.
Considering Wallow's recent contract history, his market value for 2026 is an important factor. He previously signed a one-year, $1.1 million deal after a year out due to injury. While his playoff performance could slightly elevate his next contract, it is projected to remain modest, likely not exceeding $3 million annually. This financial aspect offers the 49ers a degree of flexibility. Re-signing Wallow to a similar short-term, low-guarantee agreement could be a prudent move. Such a deal would allow him to compete for a spot on the 53-man roster or practice squad during training camp, providing valuable depth without a significant financial commitment. The team's decision will ultimately balance his recent contributions with their overall salary cap strategy and long-term roster development plans.
The San Francisco 49ers are currently in a crucial phase of roster construction for the upcoming 2026 season. While the core of their linebacker unit is strong, the importance of robust depth cannot be overstated. Evaluating Garret Wallow's potential re-signing involves weighing his late-season contributions, injury history, and projected market value against the team's strategic needs. A cost-effective, short-term agreement could offer the 49ers a valuable depth piece and an opportunity for Wallow to further prove his capabilities, contributing to the team's aspirations for a championship run.