The San Francisco 49ers have opted not to tender restricted free agent defensive tackle Kalia Davis, making him an unrestricted free agent ahead of the new NFL free agency period. This move, reported by Jordan Schultz, signals the team’s intention to move on rather than commit to retaining Davis under the current tender options.
Options Considered and Financial Implications
The 49ers had multiple tender choices for Davis, including first-round, second-round, original-round tenders, and the right-of-first-refusal. However, none of these made financial sense given Davis’s performance level. The more substantial tenders would have required the team to pay Davis significantly more than his current value. The only realistically conceivable tender was the right-of-first-refusal, which involved a $3.2 million salary and allowed the 49ers to match any external offers.
Evaluating Davis’s Role and Potential Future
Davis has served primarily as a rotational player with some productive moments but not enough to justify a higher salary tender. The 49ers believe it is wiser to allow him to enter free agency rather than commit to a costly one-year deal. There remains a possibility that Davis could return at a lower price or attract interest from other teams, such as the Tennessee Titans, who have Robert Saleh, the former 49ers head coach.
Team Needs and Strategic Considerations
At $3 million, Davis’s potential retention was deemed non-viable, especially given the 49ers’ expectation for improvement in the 2026 season. The team views Davis as replaceable through free agency or the draft, supported by general manager John Lynch’s remarks during the NFL Scouting Combine about the need to strengthen their defensive line. With the 49ers finishing at the bottom in sacks and pressures last season, multiple roster changes could be forthcoming.
Kalia Davis’s Tenure and Contributions to the 49ers
The 49ers drafted Davis in the sixth round (220th overall) in 2022 out of the University of Central Florida. Due to significant injury, he missed his entire rookie season. Over 33 games, he has accumulated 1.5 sacks, 41 tackles, and 13 pressures. If Davis’s time with the franchise ends, these will represent his full contributions.
Sources: The #49ers are not planning to tender DT Kalia Davis as an RFA.
He will now become a free agent. Davis started all 17 games last year for San Francisco in Robert Saleh’s defense. pic.twitter.com/yAp82lGUcw
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 2, 2026
