Can the 49ers Afford to Lose Surprise Special Teams Weapon in Free Agency?

The San Francisco 49ers are heading into the offseason with a significant number of decisions to make, including the fate of 28 players who will become free agents. Among these players, some are vital to the team’s future, while others might be easier to part with. One such player that could potentially leave a gap on special teams is wide receiver and punt returner Skyy Moore, whose future with the 49ers is uncertain.

Skyy Moore’s Contribution to the 49ers

Skyy Moore joined the San Francisco 49ers during the offseason in a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs. The deal saw Moore and a 2027 seventh-round pick head to the Bay Area, while the 49ers sent a 2027 sixth-round pick to the AFC West. This move was seen as a strategic acquisition for depth at wide receiver and an upgrade to the special teams unit.

In the 2025 season, Moore quickly established himself as a key figure for the 49ers. He caught five passes for 87 yards, contributing modestly to the receiving corps. However, his most significant impact came as the team’s primary punt returner. Moore averaged an impressive 11.6 yards per punt return, ranking as one of the more efficient returners in the league.

For a team like the 49ers, who rely heavily on special teams to provide momentum and set up favorable field positions, Moore’s performance in this area was valuable. The efficiency of his returns earned him recognition, as he ranked 10th among all players with at least 16 punt returns, a solid mark for a player in his role.

The Question of Free Agency

As Moore is set to hit free agency, the question now is whether the 49ers can afford to keep him. With 28 free agents to evaluate, the duo of general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan faces tough decisions on where to allocate resources. While some of these players are irreplaceable, others—like Moore—might be more expendable.

Moore’s contract for the 2025 season was relatively modest, earning $1.51 million, as he played out the final year of his rookie deal. With the expected rise in the salary cap for the 2026 season, Moore could be in line for a slight pay increase, with projections suggesting he could earn around $2 million next year. This raises an important question for the 49ers: Is Moore worth that investment, especially with limited funds available and several other positions that require attention?

Potential Replacements for Skyy Moore

San Francisco does have a few internal options to replace Moore should they decide to let him walk. One such option is Jacob Cowing, a player who was sidelined by injury during the 2025 season but has potential to take over as both a wide receiver and a returner. Cowing’s ability to step in could make it easier for the 49ers to part ways with Moore without disrupting their special teams unit.

If the 49ers choose to look outside the organization for a replacement, there are a few free-agent candidates who could step into Moore’s role. Rashid Shaheed, a dynamic wide receiver and returner for the New Orleans Saints, could be the best fit. Shaheed had a strong season as a return specialist and would provide the same level of explosiveness and playmaking ability that Moore brought to the table. Other potential replacements include Greg Dortch, Devin Duvernay, and Kalif Raymond, all of whom have experience as returners and could provide valuable depth on special teams.

The Case for Re-Signing Skyy Moore

Given Moore’s solid performance in 2025, particularly on special teams, the 49ers may find it worthwhile to bring him back on a short-term deal. The team could sign Moore to a reasonable contract, perhaps around $2 million per year, and allow him to compete for his role in training camp and the preseason against Cowing. This would give Moore a chance to prove himself again, while also keeping the 49ers’ options open in terms of their cap space and roster flexibility.

For the 49ers, signing Moore to a short-term deal could be a low-risk move, particularly given his efficiency as a punt returner. His contribution on special teams should not be overlooked, as the 49ers’ success in the upcoming season could depend heavily on the ability of their return game to provide an edge in field position. If Moore can replicate his 2025 performance, he would continue to be an asset to the team.

The Financial Perspective

Looking at the financials, Moore’s projected increase to $2 million is not a significant jump, especially considering the current market for special teams contributors and wide receivers in the league. This is a reasonable price for a player who not only contributes as a receiver but also as a dynamic returner. However, it also places Moore in competition with other free-agent players who can contribute in similar ways, such as Shaheed, whose market value might be slightly higher due to his proven success with the Saints.

With the 49ers looking to improve their roster in several key areas—such as the defensive coordinator position and potential depth at other positions—they must weigh the opportunity cost of re-signing Moore versus investing in other free agents who might provide more immediate value or long-term stability.

Is Skyy Moore Essential to the 49ers’ Future?

At the end of the day, Moore’s future with the 49ers may come down to the team’s priorities for the upcoming season. While he played a crucial role in the 2025 season, the 49ers’ roster is stacked with talent, and the team must make some tough choices. Re-signing Moore could add stability to the special teams unit, but it might limit the team’s ability to make other moves in free agency. On the other hand, letting Moore go could open the door for other players who might be able to provide similar value at a lower cost.

Ultimately, the 49ers’ decision to re-sign or let go of Skyy Moore will have significant implications for their special teams in 2026. As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see whether they can afford to retain him or whether the need for cap space and additional reinforcements will lead them to move on from the 25-year-old return specialist.