Niner Noise reels in all the latest 49ers news, rumors and insight with NFL free agency poised to kick off the league new year.

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The official start to the 2025 NFL new year hasn’t even begun yet, and the San Francisco 49ers have already gone through quite a tumultuous offseason.

Of course, the highlight moment thus far was the blockbuster trade of wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders, one that netted a mere fifth-round draft pick in return at a cost of a $31.5 million cap hit.

That signaled a new hardline approach by the Niners’ front office, one that’ll aim to reel in spending and prevent player contracts from getting out of hand.

Perhaps that means general manager John Lynch and Co. will be relatively quiet on the free-agent market, which is poised to begin with the “legal tampering” window opening on Monday, March 10.

The league new year officially begins two days later on March 12, meaning free agency will go live.

We know from Lynch’s comments at the NFL Combine that extension talks have already started with quarterback Brock Purdy, but the general manager also hinted at nothing being imminent. Even ESPN’s Adam Schefter suggested a deal might be more difficult than one might expect.

With the hours counting down to the start of NFL free agency, let’s peruse the latest San Francisco news bits, reports and rumors we can find.

49ers likely to lose 4 defensive starters to free agency

Cornerback Charvarius Ward, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave are all not expected to return in 2025, per multiple outlets.

Ward already made his sentiments public, citing the personal tragedy that best his family with the loss of his 1-year-old daughter last season, which has triggered a desire to leave California. It’s hard to blame him for that.

Greenlaw, meanwhile, reportedly wants to run his own defense and step out from behind All-Pro backer Fred Warner’s shadow. There’s a rumor the 49ers have a one-year prove-it offer on the table to Greenlaw, who missed almost all of 2024 with an Achilles injury. But, with star linebackers Zack Baun and Bobby Wagner staying put with the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders, respectively, Greenlaw likely commands plenty of interest on the market as the best remaining option at his position.

Hargrave, who missed almost all of 2024 with a triceps tear, has already been informed of his impending release. While Lynch made overtures of bringing him back on the cheap, those sounded more like a remote possibility than a likelihood.

Brandon Aiyuk trade is possible (just not likely)

There’ve been plenty of reports highlighting how the Niners aren’t happy about last year’s contemptuous standoff with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk amid his own extension talks, the latest of which from The Athletic’s Mike Silver that highlighted how head coach Kyle Shanahan had to stop a would-be trade at the last minute.

Silver denied any notion of Shanahan being on the hot seat. However, the NFL insider did report Aiyuk might be on the trade block.

That said, an acquiring team would have to absorb the receiver’s contract while taking a substantial risk on him coming off last year’s serious ACL and MCL tears.

Aiyuk probably stays put.

Robert Saleh potentially recruiting soon-to-be Jets free agents

Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh can and should be looking at free agents from his former employer, the New York Jets, to potentially bring over to the Bay Area.

While the big-name splashes might not happen, a few names like safety Ashtyn Davis and linebacker Jamin Davis have been mentioned:

Apparently, one of the contingencies of Saleh’s rehire earlier this offseason was the ability to influence roster decisions, which might not be a bad idea when considering New York’s strength under Saleh was its defense.

49ers may go after Jonathan Allen as Javon Hargrave replacement

Veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen was reportedly a potential component of the Samuel trade to Washington, but the Commanders opted not to include him in the deal.

Instead, they’ll release the two-time Pro Bowler, making him a free agent:

The fact San Francisco sought Allen as part of the Samuel trade suggests the former should be on radar as a potential replacement for Hargrave, and Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle confirmed as much on Friday.

Even though such a move wouldn’t exactly fit the 49ers’ newfound notion of getting younger.

49ers pairing Joey Bosa with Nick Bosa is lukewarm possibility

In another cap-savings move, the Los Angeles Chargers released veteran defensive end Joey Bosa, and it didn’t take long for the Niners to be seen as potential free-agent suitors:

Pairing the elder Bosa with his younger brother in San Francisco, Nick Bosa, would be a PR coup for the 49ers, yes. And it’s not as if they should steer clear of adding another proven pass-rusher, particularly if edges Leonard Floyd and/or Yetur Gross-Matos become cap casualties.

That said, Joey Bosa missed significant portions of the 2022 and 2023 seasons and will turn 30 years old prior to the start of the regular season.

About the only way it makes sense from the Niners’ vantage point is if the former Bolts star signs on the cheap and for a short-term deal to play alongside his brother.

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