In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the NFL landscape, the San Francisco 49ers have kicked off their free agency period with a decisive step, tendering exclusive rights free agent Austen Pleasants a one-year deal worth $1.075 million. While some might view this as a routine transaction, it’s the team’s first official foray into retaining talent ahead of what promises to be a pivotal offseason for the perennial contenders.
According to data from Over the Cap, the 49ers extended the exclusive rights free agent (ERFA) tender to Pleasants, effectively locking him in for the upcoming season. Unlike restricted free agents (RFAs), who can test the market and sign offer sheets with other teams—giving their original club the right to match—ERFAs have far fewer options. Once tendered, Pleasants’ free agency journey ends abruptly: he can either accept the one-year pact or negotiate a longer-term extension with San Francisco. Without this tender, the 28-year-old offensive lineman would have hit the unrestricted free agent market, free to explore opportunities elsewhere.
This ERFA tender is often seen as a mere formality in the NFL world, given its modest cost and the profile of players who qualify—typically those with fewer than three accrued seasons. But for the 49ers, it’s a strategic nod to bolstering their offensive line depth without breaking the bank. Pleasants, who emerged as a reliable backup in 2025, is now poised to return as the frontrunner for the swing tackle role for a second straight year.
The journeyman’s rise has been nothing short of impressive. Before the 2025 campaign, Pleasants had logged just five games and 77 offensive snaps across his NFL career. But last season, he shattered those numbers, appearing in a career-high 15 games. His breakout included his first-ever start in Week 18, stepping in when star left tackle Trent Williams was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Pleasants racked up 125 offensive snaps in total, with 71 coming in Week 17 after Williams’ injury and another 42 as a starter the following week.
With Williams firmly entrenched on the left side and Colton McKivitz anchoring the right, Pleasants’ value lies in his versatility and proven ability to perform under pressure. His limited but effective action in 2025 demonstrated he’s more than just a roster filler—he’s a quality depth piece capable of stepping up when the trenches get tough.
As the 49ers navigate a free agency period filled with bigger names and higher stakes, this initial move underscores their commitment to continuity along the offensive front. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely: is this the calm before a storm of blockbuster signings, or a sign of a more measured approach? One thing’s for sure—Pleasants’ tender might be the easiest decision San Francisco makes, but it’s a bombshell reminder that every piece counts in the quest for Super Bowl glory.
