It doesn’t sound like an ambitious mission, but it is the 49ers’ first preemptive strike before next week’s free agency frenzy, as announced Tuesday.

Jon Weeks has re-signed on another one-year deal after earning Pro Bowl honors last season in his 49ers debut, following a 15-year tenure with the Houston Texans.

He surely won’t be the only player retained before hitting the open market, with free agency talks commencing at 9 a.m. next Monday and contracts ratifying as early as 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 11.

The 49ers did not wield the franchise tag on any of their 20 players slated to become unrestricted free agents, and more could become available as last-minute salary-cap casualties.

Headlining that list, at least from a high-cost standpoint, is wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who is looking to cash in after six years with the 49ers.

Other major issues on the coming agenda: settling left tackle Trent Williams’ lame-duck contract status, gauging quarterback Mac Jones’ trade market and weighing the enormous cost of potential acquisitions, such as center Tyler Linderbaum and defensive end Trey Hendrickson, or an unlikely trade for the Raiders’ Maxx Crosby.

Here is a scouting report on the 49ers’ crop of free agents and their likelihood to return:

GUARD BEN BARTCH

He could be the frontrunner to start at left guard, if his injury-riddled history doesn’t spook the 49ers. After overcoming an elbow injury in training camp, Bartch started the first two games last season, then endured serious ankle and foot injuries. Return outlook: Probable

WIDE RECEIVER KENDRICK BOURNE

His uplifting spirit was so admired that he gave the pregame-huddle speech before the playoff finale in Seattle. But he had no catches over the final three games and just 19 for 180 yards the final 14, with no touchdowns all season. He did produce back-to-back 142-yard games at Los Angeles and Tampa Bay in rekindling a Patriots connection with Mac Jones. Return outlook: Questionable

GUARD/TACKLE SPENCER BURFORD

His versatility and experience (38 starts in 56 games, plus seven playoff appearances) could prompt another team to overpay for him. Rather than be ostracized for a blocking gaffe in the 2023 team’s overtime loss in the Super Bowl, Burford worked toward becoming a swing tackle, then replaced Bartch at left guard. Return outlook: Doubtful

DEFENSIVE TACKLE JORDAN ELLIOTT

Started the past two seasons after leaving Cleveland, making 50 tackles (three for loss) and no sacks on a defense that has struggled against the run. Return outlook: Doubtful

DEFENSIVE END CLELIN FERRELL

A 2023 starter, he had stints with the Commanders and Chargers before returning for the final 2 ½ months last season, highlighted by two sacks in Cleveland. Return outlook: Doubtful

LINEBACKER LUKE GIFFORD

Arrived last year for the special teams makeover and earned Pro Bowl honors for that, with 20 tackles that tied for the NFL’s sixth-most. He recovered a key fumble in Cleveland but otherwise struggled in pass coverage as an outside linebacker. Return outlook: Questionable

DEFENSIVE TACKLE KEVIN GIVENS

Time appears to have finally expired on Givens’ 70-game tenure that started in 2019 as an undrafted free agent. After a pectoral tear in camp, he played just five games, then was a healthy scratch at season’s end. Return outlook: Doubtful

DEFENSIVE END YETUR GROSS-MATOS

A knee injury in the 2024 preseason finale initially sidetracked him after arriving on a two-year, $18 million deal. A hamstring injury compounded things this past season. In 19 career games for the 49ers, he had four sacks, with three coming in 2024 vs. Chicago. Return outlook: Doubtful

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN MATT HENNESSY

Initially impressed as a fill-in center against Atlanta and made two starts, but he also had breakdowns on special teams. Return outlook: Questionable

WIDE RECEIVER JAUAN JENNINGS

Rather than keep him on a $26 million franchise tag, the 49ers appear willing to let Jennings test the market for a multi-year deal worthy of a starting-caliber, play-making, opponent-agitating wide receiver. His sixth and potentially final season came with multiple injuries (calf, ankle, shoulder, ribs), a career-high nine touchdowns, a scoring pass to Christian McCaffrey in the wild-card playoffs, but also seven interceptions among 90 targets. Return outlook: Doubtful

LINEBACKER ERIC KENDRICKS

His 12th NFL season should be as a starting middle linebacker, but that role with the 49ers figures to be reclaimed by Fred Warner after his ankle repair. Kendricks earned a spot in 49ers lore with a fourth-down pass breakup to seal their wild-card win at Philadelphia. Return outook: Doubtful

WIDE RECEIVER SKYY MOORE

Traded from Kansas City, Moore shook off early ball-security concerns, averaged 11.6 yards on punt returns and 27.5 yards on kick returns, highlighted by a 98-yarder to open a win at Arizona. He had just five catches for 87 yards on a team glaringly lacking wide receivers. Return outlook: Questionable

PUNTER THOMAS MORSTEAD

His 40th birthday is Sunday, but that age shouldn’t deter the 49ers (see: Weeks, 40). Morstead’s 36.8-yard net average was his lowest since his 2009 rookie season with the Saints. However, he dropped 22 of 44 punts inside opponents’ 20-yard line. He had no punts in back-to-back December wins over the Titans and Colts. Return outlook: Questionable

KICKER EDDY PIÑEIRO

He was a godsend after Jake Moody and made all 29 field-goal attempts except a 64-yarder that hit the crossbar in Indianapolis. He otherwise made all six other attempts beyond 50 yards, and he really won over everyone with a winning kick in the home opener. He did miss four of his 38 point-after kicks. Return outlook: Probable

SAFETY JASON PINNOCK

He started the first five games in tandem with rookie Marques Sigle, then was relegated to spot duty, producing no interceptions, fumble recoveries, forced fumbles, pass breakups or sacks. Return outlook: Doubtful

RUNNING BACK BRIAN ROBINSON

Traded from Washington on Aug. 24, Robinson was stuck in Christian McCaffrey’s All-Pro shadow, though he did emerge for touchdowns in back-to-back November games against the Giants and the Rams. He had a career-low 92 carries (400 yards) and averaged 4.3 yards per carry. Return outlook: Doubtful

LINEBACKER CURTIS ROBINSON

Thrust by injuries into the middle linebacker role, he delivered a career-high 11 tackles at Arizona, but he totaled just 16 tackles over an ensuing three-start spree before getting deactivated three games before the playoffs. The Stanford product has been part of the 49ers since 2021 and not only is their players’ union rep but also their 2024-25 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee. Return outlook: Questionable

RUNNING BACK PATRICK TAYLOR JR.

Shoulder surgery kept him out last season, after working his way up the injury-laden depth chart in 2024. Return outlook: Doubtful

WIDE RECEIVER TRENT TAYLOR

A back injury kept him out last season but he remained a constant presence around the facility and close pal George Kittle. Return outlook: Doubtful

LINEBACKER GARRETT WALLOW

A month after being claimed off waivers from Denver, Wallow started the 49ers’ wild-card win at Philadelphia and supplied 11 tackles (then just one in 33 snaps in Seattle). Return outlook: Questionable

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Defensive end Robert Beal Jr.: Just one sack in 24 regular-season games may deem the 2023 fifth-round pick expendable.

Defensive tackle Kalia Davis: Made all 19 starts but registered only a half-sack, four tackles for loss, three pass breakups, and, then no stats in the playoffs.

Cornerback Chase Lucas: Feisty style saw him play half the special-teams snaps but just 10% on defense last season, after serving on the 2024 practice squad.

Defensive end Sam Okuayinonu: Had three sacks each of the past two seasons; just vacationed in Australia, where the 49ers open next season.

Tight end Jake Tonges: Emerged last season as a sure-handed fill-in for Kittle, and that could be required to start 2026 as Kittle recovers from Achilles surgery. The first of Tonges’ five touchdown catches won their opener in Seattle.

The team also may want no part of a reunion with the 2021 All-Pro, even as their wide receiver unit is facing uncertainty with Jauan Jennings, a pending free agent, and Brandon Aiyuk, last season’s missing man.

Samuel, 30, is one of many ex-49ers who will hit the open market, including several defensive linemen to bolster one of the NFL’s least productive units last season.

The 49ers, under coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, have not shied away from bringing back castoffs.

“We’ve got opportunities to improve ourselves by either bringing back some of the players who have been with us, or go find new guys that fit who we want to be and what we want to be both in free agency and in the draft,” Lynch said at last week’s NFL scouting combine.

Last season, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne and defensive end Clelin Ferrell returned, as did defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for his second stint and running back Jeff Wilson Jr. for a training camp spell.

Others who have made or attempted second stints include wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (2021), defensive end Kerry Hyder Jr. (2022) and cornerback Jason Verrett (2023).

Free agency talks commence next Monday, and contracts can be signed as soon as March 11.

Here are potential free agents that could circle back to Levi’s Stadium, with potentially more via upcoming roster cuts:

Wide receiver: Deebo Samuel (Commanders), Dante Pettis (Saints), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Steelers), Isaiah Hodgins (Giants).

Defensive end: Leonard Floyd (Falcons), Arden Key (Titans), Charles Omenihu (Chiefs), Drake Jackson (Commanders), Trevis Gipson (Panthers)

Quarterback: Jimmy Garoppolo (Rams), Trey Lance (Chargers), Brandon Allen (Titans)

Running back: Raheem Mostert (Raiders), Ameer Abdullah (Colts), Salvon Ahmed (Colts)

Offensive tackle: Trent Brown (Texans), Charlie Heck (Bucs), Justin Skule (Vikings), Matt Pryor (Eagles)

Guard: Daniel Brunskill (Dolphins)

Defensive tackle: Javon Hargrave (Vikings; release expected), Kentavius Street (Falcons), Sheldon Day (Commanders)

Linebacker: Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (Giants)

Cornerback: Ahkello Witherspoon (Rams), Isaiah Oliver (Jets), Nick McCloud (Bears), Rock Ya-Sin (Lions)

Safety: Jimmie Ward (Texans; release expected), George Odum (Colts)

Punter: Mitch Wishnowsky (Bills)

Kicker: Joey Slye (Titans)

Still, Brock Purdy needs to throw to someone, and the offense needs an infusion of speed to keep defenses honest from swarming Christian McCaffrey.

This isn’t all about Jauan Jennings and whether the 49ers re-sign him before or after others come courting him March 9, when contract talks can open for free agents.

And this isn’t all about Brandon Aiyuk’s eventual exit, be it in the form of a release, a trade, or perhaps a retirement, which he seemingly did last season by leaving the 49ers midseason.

This is about allocating resources, with greater demands elsewhere, while more likely bargain shopping for a receiver. They can only hope Ricky Pearsall, Jordan Watkins and Jacob Cowing all ball out after injury-riddled starts to their careers, and that Demarcus Robinson’s 111-yard outburst in their wild-card win over the Eagles was a sign of more to come.

While drafting a wide receiver seems a foregone conclusion, that can’t happen for nearly two months. Instead, there’s buzz around free agency — here are 10 wide receivers to watch, whether the 49ers are in line to land them or not:

1. JAUAN JENNINGS

Last training camp’s hiatus didn’t deliver the expensive extension he sought, and a career-high nine touchdown catches might not either. A $28 million franchise tag is steep, even if the 49ers freed up $27 million by nullifying Aiyuk’s 2026 guarantees. Jennings’ value shouldn’t be based on quantity (see: 55 catches for 643 yards last season) but rather quality (see: 69 third-down conversions, plus a physical, ornery demeanor that freaks out defensive backs.).

Prediction: Signs elsewhere

2. JUSTIN JEFFERSON

Trading away arguably the NFL’s best wide receiver is not a shrewd way for the Minnesota Vikings to solve their quarterback quandary. Jefferson is two years into a four-year extension, so a $39 million cap hit would be damning. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, ousted as the Vikings’ general manager, has rejoined the 49ers’ front office, which delivers great intrigue into a still-improbable deal. Trade packages in 2021 (to move up to No. 3 for Trey Lance) and 2022 (to swap for McCaffrey) hurt the 49ers’ homegrown talent pool, which they’re trying to replenish.

Prediction: Stays in Minnesota

3. TYREEK HILL

The 49ers shouldn’t be compelled to even take a flier on Hill, and not because of him sparking the 2019 Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl comeback over the 49ers. He’s coming off a major knee injury, and the 49ers already have enough stars in rehabilitation (see: George Kittle, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner).

Prediction: Signs elsewhere, but during the season

4. MIKE EVANS

Could someone from the Tampa Bay Bucs’ ring of honor (John Lynch, the 49ers general manager) woo a future Bucs honoree? The 6-foot-5 Evans is entering his 13th season and certainly would be a productive fit for the 49ers, or anyone for that matter. Injuries limited him to eight games last season at age 32, which sounds like the opposite of the traits the 49ers seek.

Prediction: Finishes his career in Tampa

5. DEEBO SAMUEL

He’s five years removed from his All-Pro “wide back” role. Kittle, coach Kyle Shanahan and others may vouch for Samuel’s encore but it just seems like his time has expired with the 49ers, unless they’re so desperate to rekindle that bromance.

Prediction: Signs elsewhere, perhaps Atlanta or Carolina near his hometown of Inman, S.C.

6. ALEC PIERCE

The 49ers would love a deep threat, something perhaps they last had with Marquise Goodwin and sought with Danny Gray, among others. Pierce led the NFL in averaging over 21 yards-per-reception each of the last two seasons. After four years on Indianapolis’ quarterback carousel, Pierce should be a hot commodity.

Prediction: $20 million a year or more from some team other than the 49ers

7. GEORGE PICKENS

The Cowboys let top defender Micah Parsons leave last season, and they can’t be foolish enough to ditch Pickens and break up a solid tandem with CeeDee Lamb. So, Friday, they placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on Pickens, who can still negotiate with other teams.

Prediction: He plays on the Cowboys’ $28 million franchise tag, rather than the 49ers stealing him away with a multi-year contract on a tag-and-trade move like they did for Dee Ford in 2019.

8. A.J. BROWN

Four years in Philly seem to have maxed out Brown’s time there, after three in Tennessee got him traded. He simply seems too combustible to mesh with Purdy & Co.

Prediction: Traded, not to the 49ers

9. ROMEO DOUBS

Now that he has played out his rookie contract as a Packers fourth-round pick out of Nevada, Doubs could certainly return to his native California, and the 49ers’ scheme should make for a smooth transition with his versatility. He has 21 touchdown catches in 59 games; Jennings has 22 in 75.

Prediction: 49ers make a run at him but back out when the bidding crests $12 million per year

10. WAN’DALE ROBINSON

He should parlay his first 1,000-yard season into a massive pay raise.

Prediction: John Harbaugh and the Giants pay up to keep his connection with young quarterback Jaxson Dart

For years, customers have known the drill at his family’s popular Italian deli, La Villa, in San Jose’s Willow Glen neighborhood: You quickly grab a number upon entering because the line for service is long and getting longer. Then you would holler hello to Chris and hope to catch some chat time with him as he scurried from the deli case to the hot counter with its freshly cooked ravioli, to the kitchen, where mother Patty oversees the cooking operation.

The Lincoln Avenue legend was known for his spirited community involvement and for making thousands of his signature Chris Combo sandwiches over the years for South Bay customers, including the San Jose Sharks and San Francisco 49ers teams.

He died Wednesday, Feb. 25, of a heart attack at the age of 47, his family said.

“It is with profound sadness that we share with you the sudden passing of our beloved son, father, husband and great friend,” reads the note posted on the deli door Thursday, above the overflowing display of flowers brought by customers. “We appreciate the support of the entire community and ask for your continued support and privacy during this most difficult of times.”

Of the many years she had the opportunity to work side-by-side with her son, Patty Bertucelli said: “It was a blessing.”

Willow Glen merchants and longtime customers have been reeling in the days since the news was announced, with many sharing memories on social media.

“The news broke my heart,” said Janie Koumoutsakis, a customer for 50 years. “I watched Chris grow from a young boy helping his Dad to a man with his own family.” She said he was an entrepreneur who always appreciated the longevity of her family’s patronage.

“La Villa has always been a part of my life,” Pam Caselli Oliverio wrote, “from my mother bringing me there the day it opened, to countless family dinners and celebrations, to shipping ravs and sauce 3,000 miles to our daughter. … We are all at a loss for words. He will be truly missed.”

“What a shock to this entire community,” the Mann’s Jewelers staff wrote on social media. “What Chris has done for Willow Glen is obvious in all of these messages. He truly was a celebrity and the star of Lincoln Avenue.”

Others who had moved away from the Bay Area wrote of visiting La Villa and Bertucelli packing up boxes of ravioli and sauce for their trips back home.

The Bertucelli family, the longtime owners of this deli, are locally famous for two things: their ravioli with its tender dough and the secret-ingredient Chris Combo.

The sandwich that Chris Bertucelli invented back when he was a teenager has become famous with both the National Hockey League and the National Football League. How so? La Villa often feeds the San Jose Sharks and the San Francisco 49ers — plus the teams that come to the South Bay to compete against them. Among the deli’s biggest fans are former Sharks Mike Ricci, Joe Pavelski, Joe Thornton and Logan Couture.

The ingredients that make up the Chris Combo are secret, but those who love the sandwich can confirm that it’s a melty amalgamation of a couple of meats, a couple of cheeses and a sprinkling of Italian spices, all heated up on a soft roll.

Bertucelli graduated from Archbishop Mitty High School and attended San Jose State University before diving into the family business.

A GoFundMe has been set up to support his wife, Jenelle, and their two young children, Matteo and Liliana.

Organizers said: “Chris was known for his generosity and kindness, and his wife and children are facing a challenging future without him. Many have asked how they can help, and this GoFundMe campaign is a way to provide that support. The funds raised will go directly to his family to assist with immediate expenses and ongoing needs.”

As of Monday evening, close to $118,000 had been raised.

Memorial plans have not been publicly announced by the family.

This is a developing story. Come back for updates.

It’s a fair question, obviously. One I ask myself 10 times a day. But it’s also a loaded question.

For one, my name isn’t John Lynch, and he and I don’t agree on every prospect.

For another, trying to seriously guess who will and will not be on the board by the late first round is a fool’s errand. The NFL Draft is a liar’s convention wrapped in a casino, and anyone telling you they have the board perfectly mapped out is giving themselves away as a con artist.

There are, undoubtedly, countless good options.

Would Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell be a good pick? Absolutely. Alabama tackle Kaydyn Proctor? Sign me up. Missouri defensive end Zion Young or Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq? Great choices.

But amid the hours of film I watch every night when the kids go to sleep — seriously, I’m ill, please send help — and the countless text messages I send bugging folks around the league about these prospective players, there is one guy I simply cannot shake.

Call it a draft crush. Call it an infatuation. Call it whatever you want. I just can’t rid myself of the creeping feeling that Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. will be considered to be the one who got away if San Francisco passes on him at No. 27.

That, of course, is if he’s even available, but we already went over that.

Consider this a far-too-early flag plant, but this kid has the goods.

Watch him for five minutes (or way, way longer), and it’s impossible to miss. He’s hyper-instinctive and frighteningly athletic. There is zero wasted movement in his game, and when he arrives at the ball carrier, he arrives with bad intentions. He is violent. His coverage chops — whether he’s matching up in man or dropping into zone — are high-end. Functionally, he’s as strong as any linebacker you’ll see in this class. Or really, any class.

It was legitimately shocking to me to see him weigh in at nearly 240 pounds at the combine. Why? Because on tape, he glides like a guy who is at least 20 pounds lighter than that.

Then again, when he strikes you, he hits like he’s 260.

Look at the raw production down in Austin. Over three seasons at Texas, Hill racked up 249 total tackles. He lived in the opponent’s backfield to the tune of 31.5 tackles for loss and 17 sacks. Add in eight forced fumbles, and you’ve got a guy who doesn’t just play defense; he dictates the terms of engagement. Sure, scouts will nitpick his profile. They’ll say he blitzed too often — that won’t happen at the NFL level. They’ll tell you his eyes can occasionally linger a beat too long, or that his pad level gets a little high when he’s trying to stack and shed.

Those qualms are valid, but harping on them misses the point.

You’re drafting a guided missile. You can refine technique, but you can’t teach explosion.

The 49ers, obviously, have a lot of needs right now. Amid that noise, the linebacker position is too often forgotten. But make no mistake, it’s a need. Yes, you can get by with Dee Winters playing weak-side linebacker next to Fred Warner. But if you want to actually transform your defense, that’s the position to upgrade.

Winters is no Dre Greenlaw replacement. In fact, based on his play down the stretch, he’s practically begging to be replaced himself.

And we should never forget that for a couple of quarters in 2024, with Greenlaw coming off his Achilles tear, the Niners’ woeful defense suddenly looked like an entirely different and terrifying animal purely because No. 53 was on the field. The juice he brought was undeniable.

But it was fleeting.

The Niners seemingly only remembered this impact after Greenlaw agreed to a contract with the Denver Broncos this past offseason. Perhaps it was a purely political move to save face with a restless fanbase, but the team brass flew out to Texas to visit Greenlaw, making a last-ditch pitch to convince him to return to San Francisco. (How hard of a press they actually put on is entirely subject to interpretation.)

This might be too lofty a statement to make in late February — time will tell — but I see Hill as the heir apparent to Greenlaw.

Actually, let me take it a step further. Given his processing speed and three-down skill set, he might just be Warner’s replacement well down the line, too.

San Francisco can go in a dozen different directions between now and when they are finally on the clock at the end of April. Maybe they sift through the bargain bin and sign a discount veteran in free agency (there are plenty of capable ones out there this year), eliminating the need for a linebacker early in the draft. Or perhaps that long-term Trent Williams replacement is inexplicably sitting there at No. 27, considering how ridiculously deep this class is at offensive tackle. (Not that they should be desperate to replace Trent for 2026, but you get the idea.)

But if the Niners’ front office were to call me up today and say, “Who would you take?” I could spout off a dozen names that make logical sense.

The only one I’d feel truly, deeply, strongly about is Hill.

There’s always a player I would consider an A-plus first-round pick for the 49ers, were they to get him.

Last year, it was Mykel Williams.

The year before that, it was Ricky Pearsall.

(And I’m still buying stock, if you have any to sell.)

So this is, in a way, my heat check.

Am I going 3-for-3?

Last year’s attempt to secure a $620,000 commitment from the Stadium Authority — the public governing body that oversees city-owned Levi’s Stadium and is made up of members of the Santa Clara City Council — was unsuccessful.

The 49ers, who manage non-NFL events at the stadium, had previously moved their business staff from the stadium to a 52,000-square-foot space on Great America Parkway. At the time, team officials said that the move was done to consolidate everyone into the same space to make them a “more efficient organization” that would help drive revenue to the stadium and hopefully the city’s coffers.

The request resurfaced on Tuesday evening as the Stadium Authority board reviewed the proposed $81.3 million budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. This time, as a part of a $1.7 million line item named “other expenses.”

The team did not say how much of that money would go to the office lease, but in a statement, Jihad Beauchman, the 49ers’ executive vice president and general counsel, said that the “new office in Santa Clara ensures enhanced collaboration, efficiency and productivity to the benefit of both the Santa Clara Stadium Authority and the 49ers. We also believe the Stadium Management Agreement is clear on this issue and will continue to work with the city on next steps.”

A spokesperson for the city did not respond to a request for comment, but during the meeting, Finance Director Kenn Lee said the issue is still “outstanding” and they are still discussing and reviewing the agreement.

Mayor Lisa Gillmor, who last year said there would be “financial consequences for years to come for our public” if they have to cover the cost of the office, renewed her concerns this week.

“Why are we asking to approve again this year this $1.7 million line item when we don’t actually know what’s in it?” she said. “(The 49ers Management Company) operates at Levi’s Stadium and we own the building, when did (they) move, why did they move and who authorized them to relocate at the Stadium Authority’s expense?”

Councilmember Kelly Cox also expressed her concerns about why the request has once again surfaced.

“From a governance standpoint, I just want the reassurance that our decision making framework is structured with requests that are evaluated on contractual obligation and not relational dynamics,” she said.

Santa Clara is expected to revisit the office lease next month.

The request comes as the Stadium Authority is projecting lower revenues for non-NFL events than it had the last two fiscal years. In the upcoming fiscal year, they project $4.6 million compared to $10.2 million in 2024-2025 and $6.2 million in 2025-2026.

Concerns were also raised on Tuesday about the financial impact of the 49ers’ game in Mexico City when it comes to ticket surcharge dollars. While the team is playing two international games this season — they’ll open the season in Australia — the Mexico City game was originally expected to be held at Levi’s Stadium.

Do the San Francisco 49ers actually want to compete for the Super Bowl this upcoming season?

Yes or no?

If the answer is yes, they need to sign left tackle Trent Williams to a contract extension. End of discussion. Roll the credits. There is no middle ground, no bargain-bin compromise, and certainly no replacing a player of his caliber.

So why do I get the sense things are more complicated?

It shouldn’t be a shock that Williams is wringing them for more cash. He’s arguably an even better contract negotiator than he is a blocker, which is saying something since he routinely bench-presses defensive ends into the turf.

He’s a surefire Hall of Famer who protects the franchise quarterback, and right now, he’s got the front office by the throat. His agent is even playing games — why else do you think ESPN representative regurgitation machine Adam Schefter tweeted out that the Niners and Williams were in an impasse on Tuesday, roughly 90 minutes before Niners’ general manager John Lynch spoke to the media at the NFL draft combine in Indianapolis?

The only difference between this latest shakedown and the previous ones — where Williams simply held out of training camp until the Niners folded like a cheap card table and gave him everything he wanted — is a March 20 deadline. That’s when he has a $10 million option bonus vesting. And if there is one thing agents love more than fully guaranteed money, it’s a hard deadline.

The football solution to this conundrum is as obvious as a false start. Williams has repeatedly said he wants to play until he’s 40. That’s easy enough to oblige.

Add another year to his contract, guarantee both seasons, and kick the void-year dead-cap hits down the road to 2028 or beyond. By then, the NFL salary cap will make today’s dollars look like Monopoly money and the 49ers will have oodles of cap space to absorb the blow. Crisis averted. Williams stays, the Niners remain contenders, everyone is happy.

But there is an irrational option at play in this situation:

The silent, spreadsheet-driven killer of championship windows — ownership cheapness.

If the 49ers were to cut Williams in the coming days with a post-June 1 designation, the dead-cap hit makes the decision nonsensical. He’d count roughly $13.3 million against the cap in 2026 and $20.8 million in 2027, give or take some actuarial nonsense. You might as well keep him at those prices.

But here is the real prize for the suits: By cutting Williams, the Niners would save a staggering amount of actual, real-world cash. More than $30 million for the upcoming campaign.

Remember last year? When the Niners sat out the meaningful parts of free agency and cut useful players? That wasn’t salary cap gymnastics. That was cash preservation.

Because there’s the NFL’s salary cap and then there’s Jed York’s cash budget.

The Niners are currently No. 1 in the NFL in projected cash spending for 2026 (this includes Williams’ current deal), per OverTheCap.com and they haven’t engaged with a single open-market free agent yet.

Last year’s budget was $334 million in cash spend. Word I’m hearing is that number is staying relatively static.

So forget the cap. Follow the cash.

It’s absolutely, unquestionably in the best interest of the 49ers’ football operations department to extend Williams, push the cap pain down the road, and keep a slightly-diminished-but-still-elite 38-year-old blindside protector in the building.

This should be a testy negotiation, but one that results in a new deal.

But is a new Williams deal in the best interest of York’s growing sports conglomerate? What’s more important? The 49ers or 49ers Enterprises?

Last year, the Niners valued the ledger over the roster.

And while they swear that was a one-time thing, the question has to be asked: What’s to make 2026 different from 2025?

The Niners can prove it was a cheap fling by re-signing Williams and engaging in some serious free agency battles.

But if they do the indefensible — if they decide to move on from Williams for fiscal reasons — why prolong the inevitable?

If you decide your starting left tackle in season you believe you can contend for a title is going to be Austen Pleasants or a rookie taken at pick No. 27, you’re unserious.

So don’t stop with Williams.

Tear the whole roster down and start from scratch.

It’ll save a lot more cash that way.

Williams is scheduled to count $39 million against the 49ers’ salary cap in 2026, the final season of a three-year pact he agreed upon just before the 2024 season after a training camp holdout.

The 49ers again are in a “standoff” with Williams and he could become a free agent in two weeks if no cap reduction is reached, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

General manager John Lynch, however, said he felt “very positive” how contract talks are progressing after “good, productive and substantive meetings” with both Williams and his agent, Vincent Taylor.

“Here’s what I know: Trent loves being a Niner, we love having Trent as a Niner, and it’s up to us to figure that out and thread that needle,” Lynch said at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.

“There are some unique circumstances in that we all know what Trent is as a player, how great of a player he’s been,” Lynch added. “He’s going to be 38 years old and so there are some things that go into that. But I feel we’re all on the same page and feel very positive about where that’s going.”

Williams is due a $10 million bonus March 20 and a $22 million salary this coming season, according to Spotrac.com.

John Lynch on the Trent Williams situation. Two sides met today. #49ers pic.twitter.com/INUP7iDl0x

— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) February 24, 2026

If released or traded, the 49ers would incur $34 million in dead money against the cap but thus save nearly $5 million off the expected outlay to Williams. Or, as Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti noted on social media, the 49ers could lower his salary to the minimum $1.3 million and designate him a post-June 1 release, thus pushing his dead-money hits to $13.3 million for 2026 and $20.8 million in 2027.

This is the 49ers’ third contract tug-of-war with Williams. Acquired in a 2020 trade from Washington, he tested free agency in 2021 and nearly left for the Kansas City Chiefs before returning on a six-year, $136 million pact. Two years ago, Williams emerged from a camp holdout and reported five days before the season opener on a three-year, $82.66 million deal.

After the 49ers’ blowout divisional-round playoff loss in Seattle, Williams praised both the 49ers’ against-all-odds season and their future. He also said it was “accurate” to say there’s no question he’d continue his career and wouldn’t be retiring. He turns 38 on July 19.

“Just give him the bag and keep him 2-4 more years,” former 49ers guard Jon Feliciano posted on the social-media platform X.

When Williams reported to training camp last July, he talked about career longevity and whether his could proverbially fall off a cliff.

“My cliff might be different than others. Some people don’t ever hit a cliff and might want to retire on top,” Williams said. “For me, I love to compete so much I probably don’t see myself stopping with effective football left in the tank.”

Three weeks ago, Williams was part of the Pro Bowl Games in San Francisco, as was Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Jared Verse, who said of a potential career decline by Williams: “He hasn’t done it yet and is not doing it. He’s good.”

Verse was the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024 and he recalled Williams providing a welcome-to-the-NFL moment. “It was the first time in my life I’d been reached and I couldn’t get off the block,” Verse recalled Feb. 2. “I tried to move his hands and he wouldn’t move and he just started laughing. I said, ‘Get off with me.’ He said, ‘You’re so funny, Verse.’ I said, ‘No, I’m not joking. You’re too strong for this.’ ”

Williams played in all but one game last season, that being the regular-season finale after sustaining a hamstring strain trying to halt a pick-six on the opening snap of their penultimate game against Chicago. Only one offensive lineman has made more Pro Bowls, Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews with 14.

If the 49ers move on from Williams, they have no obvious heir apparent at left tackle, and although Colton McKivitz filled in there for Williams a few years ago, McKivitz’s play at right tackle earned him a contract extension last year. Journeyman Austen Pleasants is an exclusive rights free agent but not seen as a game-ready starter.

In terms of finances, only defensive end Nick Bosa counts more on this coming season’s salary cap at a $41.6 million cost and $22.7 million salary that could be adjusted with bonus money to lower his cap figure. Third on the cap-cost list is quarterback Brock Purdy at $24.4 million as part of last year’s record contract (five years, $265 million).

In other moves, long snapper Jon Weeks is re-signing rather than hitting free agency, kicker Eddy Piñeiro will not receive the franchise tag, wide receiver Jauan Jennings remains in contact for a potential return, and Brandon Aiyuk’s eventual departure won’t happen until at least March 11, Lynch told reporters in Indianapolis.

FRONT OFFICE ENCORE

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, fired last month after four years as the Minnesota Vikings general manager, will return to the 49ers as a personnel executive, Lynch told reporters, according to The Athletic’s Matt Barrows. Adofo-Mensah was instrumental in the 49ers’ research and analytics department from 2013-19. He worked in the Cleveland Browns’ front office before the Vikings hired him in 2022.

PURSUING MAC JONES?

If the 49ers opt to trade Brock Purdy’s backup, Mac Jones, a few teams have acknowledged they’re in the market for a quarterback. One is the Minnesota Vikings, and executive vice president Rob Brzezinski said, per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert: “I don’t know if we’re ruling anything out. … We have not a ton of time but we have a couple of weeks and so we’re exploring every option that could be out there.”

ANOTHER TO WASHINGTON?

A year after Washington general manager Adam Peters traded for 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, he didn’t feed speculation that the Commanders could be a landing spot for Brandon Aiyuk, who didn’t play last season for the 49ers and was placed on the reserve/left squad list in December. The 49ers voided Aiyuk’s 2026 guarantees ($27 million) last July and have indicated he is not expected back, though they’ve yet to release him.

“Brandon Aiyuk is a player on another team under contract so I can’t comment on that,” said Peters, formerly of the 49ers’ front office. “… Love the person but I can’t really comment on the player.” Samuel, by the way, is slated for free agency in two weeks.

SALEH’S GRATITUDE

Robert Saleh thanked the 49ers for a second stint as their defensive coordinator en route to becoming the Tennessee Titans’ coach.

“San Francisco, it is a championship organization, with a championship ownership, championship head coach, championship GM, championship everything,” he said. “To go back there, having been a head coach, to go back and piece the puzzle together of what a championship organization looks like and how it operates, just grateful I was given that opportunity to do that again, and everything I learned, hopefully we can take it to this next step.”

Saleh took former 49ers assistant head coach Gus Bradley with him to serve as the Titans’ defensive coordinator. “Gus is like a second dad to me,” Saleh said. “He’s had amazing impact on my life and not to mention he’s one of the better D-coordinators in all of football. To have him on staff, especially this cycle when there was a lot of competition for his services, is a blessing for all of us.”

QUINN’S 49ERS LESSONS

Washington’s Dan Quinn reflected on his NFL coaching entry with the 2001-04 49ers in terms of evaluating players.

“From my first time being in the NFL at the 49ers, a number of the people there taught me what excellence could look like in pro football, (including) a guy by the name of Bill McPherson, who’d been a coach and was the pro director at the time,” Quinn said. “…Since that time I’ve been much more interested in what a player can do and how we would feature them, than the traits they don’t have.”

Six years ago, the 49ers went to the scouting combine and shopped All-Pro defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who would fetch a first-round pick from the Indianapolis Colts.

Jones likely won’t command a first-round pick, or perhaps even a second-rounder. Supply and demand will dictate his value on the quarterback market, one that’s lacking premier free agents and hot-shot draft candidates.

This week’s scouting combine in Indianapolis should at least start signaling Jones’ path. General manager John Lynch is scheduled to speak with the media Tuesday at 2:30 PT, while coach Kyle Shanahan again will skip the trip but stay clued in via video of draft prospects’ interviews.

The 49ers certainly could and perhaps should retain Jones, who signed a two-year contract last spring and will cost only $3 million against this coming season’s salary cap.

Free agency negotiations can open March 9, and perhaps by then there’ll be clarity which veterans are salary-cap casualties. Two months remain until former Cal and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza presumably goes No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Jones, 28, undoubtedly pumped up his stock the past year. On the field, he went 5-3 as a starter while Purdy battled turf toe, and Jones overcame a knee injury to post a career-best 69.6 completion percentage with 13 touchdown passes against six interceptions. Overall, his upbeat vibe quickly won over teammates as he rediscovered a joy for football that dissipated since his 2021 rookie season with the New England Patriots.

WHAT THEY’VE SAID

Shanahan (Jan. 21): “As (with) any player on our team, including myself and John (Lynch), you always listen to people and trade offers, but we’re also not into getting rid of good players. So, I’d be very surprised if Mac wasn’t around us next year.”

Lynch (Jan. 21): “I can’t say enough about Mac, not only his play, his leadership. I call it leadership. Do you make people around you better? And I think Mac did that all season. And so, he’s been an outstanding addition. Like Kyle said, you always listen, but I know we’re a better football team with Mac Jones on our roster.”

Jones (Jan. 19) on if he might not get traded: “Yeah, I mean, that’s why I came here, knowing that I wanted to be around, Kyle, knowing it’s such a great system and a good fit for me.I know that’s part of it. For me the challenge is to keep getting better this offseason, and whatever happens, happens and I love the guys here, that’d be fun.”

NFL COMPARISONS

Last year, the Raiders sent a third-round draft pick to the Seattle Seahawks for quarterback Geno Smith, who then received a two-year, $75 million extension through 2027.

A third-rounder is what the Atlanta Falcons got in return for Matt Ryan as he went to finish his career with the Colts in 2022.

That same year, the ultimate outlier came with the Cleveland Browns coughing up a fortune (including three first-rounders among seven picks) for Deshaun Watson’s exit from Houston.

Also in 2022, Russell Wilson cost the Denver Broncos two firsts, two seconds and a player; Sam Darnold’s transfer from the Jets to the Panthers elicited three picks (second, fourth and sixth rounders); and, Baker Mayfield fetched a fourth-round, conditional pick for Cleveland’s deal with Carolina.

Carson Wentz bounced from Philadelphia to Indianapolis in 2021 (conditional first- and third-round picks), then to Washington in 2022 (second, two thirds).

WHO’S IN THE GAME

Several quarterbacks will be available trade before free agency, and several teams are in dire need.

Those teams and what draft picks they have through the first three rounds:

New York Jets (Round 1, 1, 2, 2)

Cleveland (1, 1, 2, 3)

Miami (1, 2, 3, 3, 3)

Pittsburgh (1, 2, 3, 3, 3)

Minnesota (1, 2, 3, 3)

Las Vegas (1, 2, 3)

Arizona (1, 2, 3)

Indianapolis (2, 3)

Quarterbacks who might be options: Kirk Cousins (Falcons), Kyler Murray (Cardinals), Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins), Aaron Rodgers (Steelers), Daniel Jones (Colts), Anthony Richardson (Colts), Malik Willis (Packers), Derek Carr (Saints; retired).

49ERS QUARTERBACK TRADES

The 49ers’ rich lore of quarterbacks includes a bevy of trades, most famously the 1987 one that brought in Steve Young to set up a Hall of Fame succession line with Joe Montana.

Montana netted the 49ers a first-round pick (and safety David Whitmore) in his 1993 deal to Kansas City. The next-greatest haul the 49ers got for a quarterback: Alex Smith to the Chiefs for second-round picks in 2013 and ’14.

If the 49ers deem Jones expendable, the backup spot could go to 2025 rookie redshirt Kurtis Rourke, practice-squad prospect Adrian Martinez, or a potential reclamation project similar to Jones (2025) and Sam Darnold (2023).

Here are other quarterbacks traded away by the 49ers prior to Smith:

Shaun Hill, 2010: Detroit, 2011 seventh-round pick

Ken Dorsey, 2006: Cleveland, 2007 seventh-round pick and Trent Dilfer

Cody Pickett, 2006: Houston, 2007 conditional pick

Tim Rattay, 2005: Tampa Bay, for 2006 sixth-round pick

Jim Druckenmiller, 1999: Miami, for 2000 seventh-round and 2001 seventh-round picks

Ty Detmer, 1999: Cleveland, with fourth-round pick for fourth- and fifth-round picks

Steve Bono, 1994: Kansas City, for fifth-round draft pick

Montana, 1993: Kansas City, first-round pick and safety David Whitmore

Steve DeBerg, 1981: Denver, for 1983 fourth-round draft pick

Tom Owens, 1976: New England, with two 1976 first-round picks and 1977 first- and second-round picks for Jim Plunkett.

Y.A. Tittle, 1961: New York Giants, for Lou Cordileone

* * *

WHO THIS REGIME HAS TRADED

Players traded by the 49ers since 2017, when Shanahan and Lynch arrived:

WR Deebo Samuel, 2025: Washington, fifth-round pick

QB Trey Lance, 2023: Dallas, fourth-round pick

RB Jeff Wilson Jr., 2021: Miami, fifth-round pick

LB Jonas Griffith, 2021: Denver, with seventh-round pick for 2022 sixth- and 2023 seventh-round picks

LB Kwon Alexander, 2020: New Orleans, for Kiko Alonso and 2021 fifth-round pick

WR Marquise Goodwin, 2020: Philadelphia, with 2020 sixth- and 2021 seventh-rounder for 2020 sixth-rounder; trade nixed because Goodwin opted out of 2020 COVID-impacted season.

RB Matt Breida, 2020: Miami, for fifth-rounder

DT DeForest Buckner, 2020: Indianapolis, for first-rounder.

LB Dekoda Watson, 2019: Denver, with sixth-round pick for fifth-rounder.

LB Eli Harold, 2018: Detroit, for seventh-round pick

OT Trent Brown, 2018: New England, with fifth-round pick for third-rounder.

C Daniel Kilgore, 2018: Miami, with seventh-round pick for seventh-round pick.

CB Rashard Richardson, 2017: New York Jets, fifth-round pick

TE Vance McDonald, 2017: Pittsburgh, with 2018 fifth-round pick for 2018 fourth-rounder.

In 2026? The league is sending them on a forced march across the globe.

The massive geographical advantage the Niners enjoyed in 2025 is dead, and plans are being drawn on how to dump it into the Pacific Ocean during the team’s 16-hour flight come the fall.

Last season, the schedule-makers blessed San Francisco. Sure, the actual strength of schedule ultimately leveled out to the league average, but overall, it was entirely manageable.

Now comes the payback. The NFL giveth, and the NFL booketh you gigs in three different countries.

The league always gets even.

And it all starts with Week 1: Australia.

Just reading that makes my hamstrings tighten. The Niners are expected to open their 2026 campaign essentially on the dark side of the moon. And as ESPN’s Nick Wagoner astutely pointed out on X (The Everything App, of course), the opponent makes the whole charade sting even more: the Los Angeles Rams.

Instead of their annual, easy-breezy one-hour commuter hop from SJC down to LAX — a trip so short the flight attendants often don’t even bother with beverage service — the Niners are burning an “easy” road game to fly to the Southern Hemisphere.

That trip will put them on the physical back foot for weeks. You can expect an early bye week to compensate — it’ll probably be Week 5 — but jet lag that deep doesn’t just wash off in the cold tub.

Then there’s the back half of the gauntlet, which will be played unabated because of that likely early bye.

Instead of a comfortable Sunday afternoon playing in Santa Clara, the 49ers will sacrifice a home game to play in Mexico City this season. Great for business. Bad for the lungs.

They’re trading sea level for Estadio Azteca, sitting at 7,218 feet of elevation.

Toss in the smog, the noise, and the pomp and circumstance of another international spectacle, and it’s one more massive physical hurdle dumped right in the middle of what should be a playoff push.

Do the math. Tally the frequent flyer miles. Factor in the time zones. Surely, no one will travel more in the 2026 season than San Francisco. Front Office Sports estimates they’ll travel roughly 38,000 round-trip miles – the most by an NFL team ever.

The Niners aren’t just a football team anymore; they’re a touring stadium act. This is Roger Goodell’s dream. If only he could get an 18th regular-season game on the Moon.

Oh, and while we’re in a position to take more bad news: don’t be shocked if the Niners are picked to participate in the Hall of Fame preseason opener in Canton, Ohio, this August, too.

Of course, a tougher travel itinerary is no guarantee of failure.

But if things do go sideways? If the injuries mount, the legs look heavy, and the fourth-quarter leads start evaporating? It gives everyone a brand new boogeyman.

A malfunctioning electrical substation? Please. That was so last year. When the 2026 excuses start rolling in, we won’t be talking about EMF. No, we’re going to be deep into the realm of quackery regarding circadian rhythm disruption, localized gravity changes, and the cumulative radiation exposure from air travel.

But the NFL is a league of ruthless parity. If you get an edge one year, someone sitting in a Park Avenue office finds a way to claw it back the next.

The Niners had their staycation. Now, they’re paying the toll.

John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan better bolster their ranks accordingly in the coming months.

They’re going to need fresh legs, incredible depth, and a whole lot of passport pages.