“Kicker Eddy Pineiro and the 49ers reached agreement today on a four-year, $17 million extension that includes $10 million guaranteed, per his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey. Pineiro is now off the market and will not become a free agent this week,” reported Adam Schefter on X (@adamschefter).

Last season, Pineiro was one of the players who helped Purdy and the 49ers secure key wins. The kicker converted 34 extra points while appearing in 14 games with San Francisco, finishing with an impressive 89.5% success rate, making 38 of his 34 attempts.

Pineiro was the most accurate kicker in 2025

The 49ers are investing in someone who has what it takes to eliminate concerns about extra points, and even more so about field goals that can win games when Purdy can’t get it done from the offensive line. Last season, he scored a total of 84 points thanks to 28 made kicks on 29 attempts, an impressive 96.6%, the most dominant mark in the NFL.

Going from earning $1.17 million in the 2025 season to signing a $17 million contract that will pay him a $4.25 million salary for 2026 is a major boost for Pineiro, whose longest field goal was a 59-yarder against the Rams.

“First and foremost, all glory to God. None of this is possible without Him. I’m incredibly thankful to the coaches and the entire organization for believing in me and trusting me to continue this journey with you. Signing this contract means the world to me and my family. To the fans — thank you for the constant support and love. The work continues,” Pineiro wrote on Instagram (@eddypineiro1).

The list of names was extensive and filled with stars. Brock Purdy, Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, George Kittle, and Trent Williams were out at various points during the schedule, and that proved impossible to overcome in the postseason.

Now, heading into 2026, a new challenge looms for the 49ers in their quest to win the Super Bowl. In a historic development, the NFL has confirmed another international game for San Francisco, something that could cause significant wear and tear.

How many international games will 49ers play in 2026?

The 49ers will play two international games during the 2026 season. It had already been officially announced that they will face the Rams in Australia, and now the NFL has confirmed that they will also play in Mexico City against an opponent yet to be determined.

When will the 49ers play in Mexico?

The San Francisco 49ers are expected to play in Mexico in November 2026, although the official date will not be known until the NFL releases the schedule in May. They will be the home team at Estadio Banorte.

49ers opponents for 2026 season

The 49ers’ home opponents for the 2026 season are the Cardinals, Rams, Seahawks, Broncos, Eagles, Raiders, Commanders, Vikings, and Dolphins. With the exception of Los Angeles, all are possible opponents for the game in Mexico City.

The away opponents will be the Arizona Cardinals, Rams (Melbourne), Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Chargers, New York Giants, and Atlanta Falcons.

The interesting question moving forward is who will join the former “Mr. Irrelevant” in the 49ers’ offense. Recent rumors have linked the team to the possible return to the Bay of one of its former stars: Deebo Samuel. However, according to Matt Maiocco, this seems unlikely, as does the continued presence of Jauan Jennings.

“I wouldn’t expect Jennings to be back to the #49ers. I wouldn’t expect Deebo to come back,” the insider revealed via 49ers & NFL News 24/7. The wide receiver spent just one season with the Washington Commanders, and many had hoped his return could be a possibility in this free agency. However, this now appears to have little basis.

Another name that was on Kyle Shanahan’s radar was George Pickens. However, the chances of him leaving Dallas Cowboys are slim, as he will likely be placed under the franchise tag and his market value is expected to be extremely high.

Brock Purdy’s weapons for 2026

Entering the 2026 season, Brock Purdy faces the most significant challenge of his young career as the 49ers‘ high-powered offense undergoes a painful transformation.

The most devastating blow is the loss of All-Pro tight end George Kittle, who is recovering from a torn Achilles suffered during the 2025 playoffs; while he is targeting a Week 1 return, his availability and explosiveness remain major question marks.

Furthermore, the potential departure of Brandon Aiyuk might leave a massive void in the receiving corps, forcing Purdy to rely heavily on the elite production of Christian McCaffrey, the 2025 Comeback Player of the Year.

With the veteran core fractured, the burden now shifts to younger talents like Ricky Pearsall and a revamped offensive line to ensure San Francisco remains a Super Bowl contender despite an increasingly empty arsenal.

While tight end George Kittle is skeptical about the electrical substation, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne just wants to come back to the team. “Hitting free agency this year, it’s gonna be fun. I want to go back to San Fran, so that’s the plan, but it’s all got to make sense,” Bourne said.

Bourne also spoke on the electrical substation issue earlier on the month, questioning why the grass at the 49ers’ practice facility turns brown while other fields remain green.

Kendrick Bourne had a very good year

The 49ers were very injured this year, and that left space for Bourne to flourish while the other receivers nursed their injuries. While his full season stats are not to leave anyone in awe, Bourne still put up decent numbers. He had 37 receptions for 551 yards.

However, it was on Week 5 and 6 where Bourne took the NFL by storm. He had back-to-back 142-yard games with 15 catches on 20 targets. Then, the Niners started to get other wideouts involved as they came back from injuries, but Bourne was still a good option. He started eight games last year.

Another star WR is also hitting free agency

Jauan Jennings is arguably the team’s best receiver. He had 643 yards last season where he played through many injuries. He still led the team with nine receiving touchdowns. However, last season the 49ers refused to extend him, and now he will be more expensive if the team wants to re-sign him. More likely than not, he is going elsewhere.

That could tempt the 49ers to actually re-sign Bourne. They saw his potential to be a top-tier weapon after all. Pairing him with Ricky Pearsall could be the way to go for Kyle Shanahan. Brock Purdy knows them both and chemistry could go a long way for the team.

“Honestly, I’m happy where I’m at. I love the 49ers. I want to keep winning and having fun. That’s all I care about,” Jones recently told TMZ Sports, where he was also asked about the substitution theory that has been mentioned by some of his teammates.

It’s worth noting that last season Jones threw a total of 13 touchdowns and six interceptions, totaling 2,151 yards in 11 games with the 49ers. He started eight games while filling in for Purdy, who was recovering from a foot injury, but eventually returned to the bench.

Jones could remain with the 49ers

One day before Jones’ recent comments to TMZ Sports, it was reported that the 49ers were not looking to move on from their backup quarterback for next season. He would remain alongside Purdy to continue supporting him and learning.

“The 49ers are NOT looking to trade Mac Jones this offseason. Things and offers can change, but the 49ers’ preference is to keep their Brock Purdy–Mac Jones tandem intact for 2026, per Dianna Russini,” wrote Coach Yac on X (@coach_yac).

As for the substitution theory that has caused some discomfort among teammates and has been linked to alleged injuries, Jones said he doesn’t know anything about it yet. Despite Joe Rogan mentioning the theory on several occasions, the quarterback said he doesn’t feel any different.

“It’s funny how it works. I didn’t play great football the first few years of my career, and then I came here to San Francisco, and I learned a ton,” Darnold said while recalling that phase of his career with Shanahan‘s 49ers in 2023, when he appeared in 10 games and threw two touchdowns and one interception.

Despite his limited action at quarterback in San Francisco, Darnold said his understanding of the game grew significantly while learning the system. “Because of that year in San Francisco, I was able to learn a ton. Learned from Brock Purdy and coach Shanahan.”

Purdy unlocked some of Darnold’s potential

Darnold went on to explain how that short time alongside Purdy helped him “unlock” his potential, or at least part of it, allowing him to become the high-level quarterback he is today. “I really thank Brock… Brock Purdy a ton,” Darnold said.

Darnold’s season was strong once again, surpassing 4,000 passing yards for a second straight year (4,048 in 2025 and 4,319 in 2024 with the Vikings). He also threw 25 touchdowns, 10 fewer than the previous season, but it was enough to lead the Seahawks to Super Bowl LX and win it.

After his time in San Francisco ended, Darnold used what he learned to succeed with two different teams. “And I was able to kind of learn and go to Minnesota and play good football there. I was able to come to Seattle and do the same. So, it’s funny how things work, but that’s life. I’m gonna continue to keep working.”

Despite the great performances he put together in the first weeks, it was clear that Mr. Irrelevant would reclaim his spot in Kyle Shanahan’s starting lineup upon returning from his injuries.

This opened the door to endless speculation about what would happen with Jones next season: would he remain behind Purdy, or would he look for a fresh start to take on a bigger role? For now, the 49ers have made a decision on the matter.

“Despite continued speculation, the 49ers have no plans to trade QB Mac Jones this off-season and fully intend to bring him back to back up Brock Purdy, per sources,” the insider Adam Schefter reported via X.

Jones’ numbers from last season

During the 2025 season with the San Francisco 49ers, Mac Jones experienced a significant career resurgence while stepping in for an injured Purdy. In 11 games (8 starts), he threw for 2,151 passing yards, recording 13 touchdowns against only 6 interceptions.

His efficiency was notably high under Shanahan’s system, finishing the year with a 69.6% completion rate and an impressive 97.4 passer rating (which translates to a strong 62.3 QBR).

These stats helped lead the 49ers to a 5–3 record in his starts, proving he could effectively manage a high-powered offense and solidifying his value as a reliable NFL signal-caller.

What is the contract situation of No. 10?

Mac Jones is currently entering the second year of the two-year, $8.41 million contract he signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2025. For the upcoming 2026 season, he is scheduled to earn a base salary of $2,810,000, carrying a total cap hit of $3,980,000.

Given his efficient performance last season filling in for the Niners, this deal is widely considered one of the most team-friendly backup/bridge quarterback contracts in the league, providing San Francisco with high-level insurance at a manageable price.

According to a report by Dianna Russini from The Athletic, the 49ers are committed to retaining the Purdy-Mac Jones partnership for the upcoming season. Russini noted, “For teams aiming to negotiate a deal for 49ers backup QB Mac Jones, I’m told San Francisco is not looking to part with the 2021 first-rounder.”

This development offers reassurance to the 49ers’ fanbase about the future of these critical players. Although Purdy’s performance was hindered by an early-season injury, he regained form. With both Purdy and Jones in the mix, there is optimism about what the duo can achieve with a full recovery and proper preparation.

During Purdy’s absence due to injury, Jones stepped up admirably as quarterback, playing a crucial role in helping the 49ers secure a playoff spot. With both players reportedly part of San Francisco’s plans for next season, there is heightened anticipation about their potential impact.

Purdy and Jones: The 49ers’ quarterback tandem in the 2025-26 season

Analyzing the performances of Purdy and Jones with the 49ers underscores the logic behind maintaining this quarterback tandem. Both players delivered impressive contributions, particularly Purdy, making the decision to retain them appear sound.

Here are their statistics for the 2025-26 season with the 49ers:

Brock Purdy (9 Starts) / Mac Jones (8 Starts)
Record: 7-2 / 5–3
Passing Yards: 2,167 / 2,151
Touchdowns: 20 / 13
Interceptions: 10 / 6
Passing Success Rating: 55.3 / 53.4

Rumors surrounding Purdy’s future in San Francisco

Following a disheartening 41-9 playoff loss to the Seahawks, rumors emerged about interest from other NFL teams in Purdy. Both the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings were reportedly linked to Purdy for the upcoming season.

Despite this speculation, the 49ers appear determined to chart a different course next season. While the fanbase can rely on the presence of Purdy and Jones, the organization will need to make strategic additions to strengthen their roster around these cornerstone quarterbacks.

In a report posted by Chase Senior on X, the Chat Sports analyst wrote: “Christian McCaffrey is one of the 49ers players who has voiced concerns about the electrical substation being next to the 49ers practice facility and the potential dangers of EMF (electromagnetic fields).”

Another former teammate of Purdy and McCaffrey has also raised concerns about the situation, lending support to the theory that EMFs may be affecting 49ers players. “Logan Ryan was with the 49ers in 2023. He said he’s a believer in this theory. He said CMC and George Kittle spend millions on their bodies and take care of themselves better than anybody, yet they’ve still gotten injured,” Senior reported.

Not the first time 49ers have discussed the substation

Senior also noted that this issue has been discussed within the organization for more than a decade. “Delanie Walker played with the 49ers from 2006–12 and said the substation was being discussed as a problem even back then,” he wrote, though it did not draw the same level of attention at the time.

According to Senior, McCaffrey has already spoken with his trainer about the substation, and other players, whose names were not disclosed, have reportedly contacted neurosurgeon Dr. Jack Kruse regarding the matter.

Kruse later took aim at Senior and Joe Rogan for discussing the topic of 49ers injuries and their alleged connection to the electrical substation, writing: “Why would anyone want to hear Rogan or you talk about something you know nothing about. Hard pass. Get some real scientists and clinicians on there. Ask Christian McCaffrey why he reached out to me about this issue last year.”

Last week, in the Wild Card round against the Philadelphia Eagles, the 49ers lost their starting tight end, George Kittle. Despite the adversity, they eliminated the defending Super Bowl champions on the road.

Now, the challenge will be enormous against the Seattle Seahawks, the No. 1 seed in the NFC. One of the biggest questions ahead of the blockbuster matchup is whether Warner has a real chance to return.

What’s Fred Warner’s injury?

Fred Warner suffered an ankle injury in Week 6 during the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Because it was a fracture and a dislocation, it was expected that he would not return this season.

Is Fred Warner playing for 49ers vs Seahawks in 2026 playoffs?

No. Fred Warner will not play for the 49ers against the Seahawks in the Divisional Round of the 2026 NFL playoffs. Kyle Shanahan has made the final decision, although if the San Francisco 49ers reach the NFC Championship Game, the linebacker could be available.

Even more striking is the company Purdy now keeps. According to Underdog NFL, he already has as many playoff wins as Jared Goff, Joe Burrow, Philip Rivers, and Randall Cunningham, while also holding more postseason victories than Cam Newton, Joe Namath, and Matt Ryan.

Jackson has never had a playoff year as strong as Purdy’s. The most he has won in a single postseason with the Ravens is two games, a personal mark that has held from 2020 through 2024.

Purdy surpasses Jackson in more playoff stats

Purdy has played one fewer playoff game than Jackson, who has appeared in eight total, yet despite not being the dual-threat quarterback Lamar is, Purdy has thrown fewer interceptions, just three compared to Jackson’s seven.

Purdy also holds the edge in yards per pass attempt in the postseason. The 49ers quarterback averages 7.9, compared to 7.3 for the Ravens’ quarterback, who is now set to play under a new head coach in the 2026 season.

Purdy further outpaces Jackson in longest pass thrown in a playoff game. Jackson’s longest is 54 yards, recorded in 2023, while Purdy has a 74-yard completion from his first playoff season in 2022 and added a 61-yard pass in the 2025 postseason.