The San Francisco 49ers have been busy this offseason, and things are about to heat up once again with the 2026 NFL Draft just a couple of days away. After somehow managing to overcome a slew of injuries last season to advance all the way to the divisional round of the playoffs, the Niners are hoping to build off of what they accomplished in 2025.
While bringing new faces to town is important, San Fran also has several of its own free agents it has to worry about. With the draft drawing near, the 49ers received some good news regarding veteran offensive lineman Austen Pleasants, as he has made a decision on his playing future after spending over a month in free agency.
Austen Pleasants Re-Signs with 49ers in Free Agency
🏈Panthers WR Jalen Coker 🏈Chiefs WR Nikko Remigio 🏈Rams WR Xavier Smith 🏈49ers OT Austen Pleasants 🏈Seahawks DB Ty Okada
Pleasants hasn’t had a lot of security during his time in the NFL, but he appears to have found a home as a depth option for the 49ers. After going undrafted in 2020, Pleasants spent time with five different teams before finding his way to San Francisco. He suited up for one game apiece with the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Chargers in 2021 and 2023, respectively, so he didn’t have much experience before landing with the Niners.
That has changed over the past two years, though. Pleasants has suited up in 18 games in 2024 and 2025, and he even drew a start last season. While he only played 125 total offensive snaps on the year, Pleasants proved that he can be relied upon when he finds his way onto the field, making him a sneaky important part of the team, especially given how many injuries they have dealt with in recent years.
Pleasants was an exclusive rights free agent for San Francisco this offseason, so while he was able to test the open market, it always seemed more likely that he would eventually find his way back to the 49ers. Sure enough, Pleasants made a decision on his future during draft week, as he has opted to re-sign with the Niners in free agency.
“Exclusive rights free agents who re-signed today include 49ers OT Austen Pleasants,” Adam Schefter of ESPN reported in a post on X.
49ers Shore Up Offensive Line Depth with Austen Pleasants Move
GettyThe 49ers have re-signed offensive lineman Austen Pleasants in free agency
Nobody is saying that Pleasants is the most important player on the 49ers roster, but the team has made a conscious effort to add depth across the board this offseason. Keeping Pleasants in town is a big move for that reason, as he has familiarity with the team’s offensive scheme and has proven that he can hold his own when he finds his way onto the field.
It’s been a big past couple of days for San Francisco when it comes to its offensive line, as it also managed to agree to a two-year, $50 million contract extension with star left tackle Trent Williams. In a perfect world, Williams will suit up for all 17 games next season, but if he can’t, the Niners have some good protection behind him with Pleasants.
49ers Free Agent Offensive Tackle Makes Decision Ahead of NFL Draft