49ERS UNLIKELY NEW STAR SHOULD BE A PRIORITY TO RE-SIGN IN FREE AGENCY

As the San Francisco 49ers prepare for the 2026 season following their divisional-round loss to the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field, they face some important decisions regarding their roster, especially when it comes to their pending free agents. Among these key players is kicker Eddy Pineiro, whose performance in 2025 may have earned him a prominent spot in the team’s future plans.

Eddy Pineiro’s 2025 Season Recap
When Eddy Pineiro joined the 49ers after a disastrous performance by Jake Moody in Week 1, few expected the significant impact Pineiro would have. The 30-year-old kicker quickly became one of the most reliable players on the roster. He went on to post an impressive 96.6% field goal conversion rate (28-of-29), the highest in the league, and a solid 89.5% accuracy on extra points (34-of-38). His performance was instrumental in stabilizing the special teams unit, proving to be a key contributor to the 49ers’ season.

Pineiro’s consistency throughout the year made him one of the most dependable players on the squad, and it’s safe to say that without him, the 49ers’ season could have looked very different. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, including clutch field goals, helped the team secure vital victories over the course of the year.

Potential Replacements for Eddy Pineiro
While Pineiro has certainly earned his spot with the 49ers, San Francisco will have options if they choose to explore free agency. However, at the moment, the team does not have another kicker on the roster or practice squad. Several notable kickers will be available on the free-agent market, including Matt Prater, Riley Patterson, Joey Slye, Blake Grupe, and Daniel Carlson. Each of these kickers brings a different set of strengths, but none have proven to be as consistently reliable as Pineiro was in 2025.

In addition to the free agents, there are also some top kickers in the 2026 NFL Draft that the 49ers could consider. Dominic Zvada (Michigan), Will Ferrin (BYU), Drew Stevens (Iowa), and Kansei Matsuzawa (Hawaii) are among the top prospects that teams will likely target, though it’s unclear whether the 49ers will go in that direction or prefer the certainty of re-signing Pineiro.

What Contract Could Eddy Pineiro Command?
Pineiro was a steal in 2025, playing on a $1.17 million contract. However, his success in 2025 has certainly boosted his market value. According to Spotrac, Pineiro’s market value is expected to rise to around $5.62 million annually in 2026. The website projects that he could land a three-year deal worth $16.87 million this offseason.

Given the impact Pineiro has had on the 49ers’ special teams, paying that price could still be a smart investment for the team, especially considering the cost of potentially taking a risk on a new kicker who may not perform to the same standard.

Should the 49ers Re-sign Eddy Pineiro?
After witnessing Jake Moody’s struggles in 2024 and his rocky start to 2025, it’s hard to imagine that the 49ers will find a more reliable kicker than Pineiro. His field goal accuracy, dependability, and ability to deliver under pressure make him an essential part of the team’s future. While it might require a significant financial commitment, the 49ers should seriously consider locking him up for a few years to ensure consistency in their special teams unit.

Pineiro’s consistency has brought stability to a position that has often been a source of uncertainty for many teams, and as the 49ers look to contend for a Super Bowl title in the coming seasons, having a solid kicker will be critical. The extra $5 million per year is likely a small price to pay for the peace of mind that Pineiro provides.

As the offseason progresses, re-signing Eddy Pineiro should be a top priority for the 49ers. His performance in 2025 has earned him the opportunity to stay with the team for the long haul, and with key roster decisions looming, locking up Pineiro would be a smart move for a team with championship aspirations