Analyzing 49ers’ franchise tag outlook as important 2026 NFL offseason begins

The 49ers have used the franchise tag once during the 10 offseasons of the John Lynch-Kyle Shanahan era.Kicker Robbie Gould was the target in 2019, but the 49ers ended up signing Gould to a contract extension, so he never actually played under the franchise tag.Perhaps, the most logical candidate for the tag this year is again a kicker.Beginning Tuesday through March 3, each NFL team can place the franchise tag on one player scheduled for unrestricted free agency.It appears more likely the 49ers will go another season without tagging anyone.The 49ers have emphasized signing extensions with those deemed worthy of the franchise tag before their contracts expire.That is why players such as tight end George Kittle, linebacker Fred Warner, edge rusher Nick Bosa and quarterback Brock Purdy never came close to reaching free agency, thus making the franchise tags irrelevant for them.The only two players the 49ers would even consider for the franchise tag this time around are wide receiver Jauan Jennings and kicker Eddy Piñeiro.In both cases, it seems as if a multi-year contract for less than the franchise tag salary would get the job done to keep them around.The franchise tag...