The San Francisco 49ers are set to let defensive tackle Kalia Davis test the open market as an unrestricted free agent, following reports that the team will not place a restricted free agent tender on him ahead of the 2026 NFL league year.
According to multiple sources, including a report by Jordan Schultz relayed by 49erswebzone, the 49ers have chosen not to extend any form of restricted free agent tender to Davis. This decision removes the team's right of first refusal and the possibility of draft-pick compensation if another team signs him.
What Not Tendering Davis Means
Under the NFL's restricted free agency rules, players with three accrued seasons whose contracts expire can be tendered by their original team at varying levels: first-round, second-round, or original-round. Tendering a player guarantees the team a chance to match any offer sheet or receive compensation if they decline to match.
By declining to tender Kalia Davis--a 27-year-old who started every regular-season game in 2025--the 49ers waive this control, allowing him to negotiate freely with all NFL teams with no strings attached. The move signals the organization's readiness to move on from Davis, who was a significant rotational and starting piece on the defensive line last season.
Review of Kalia Davis's Role in 2025
Drafted in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of UCF, Davis missed his entire rookie season due to a knee injury sustained in college but made a notable comeback in 2023. His breakout season came in 2025, where he started all 17 regular-season games, displaying durability and consistency on the defensive interior.
Davis primarily contributed as a run-stopper in a defensive scheme that requires interior tackles to control gaps and free linebackers like Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw to make plays. While his individual statistics such as sacks and tackles may be modest, he was valued for his dependable presence against the run. On a line featuring stars like Nick Bosa and Javon Hargrave, Davis's role was one of steady reliability.
Salary Cap and Roster Decision Factors
The decision to not tender Davis is likely influenced by several factors common in NFL roster management, especially under tight salary cap conditions. The minimum restricted free agent tender for 2026 is expected to exceed $3.5 million, which may have been deemed an inefficient allocation given the team's broader cap commitments, including contracts for top players across the roster.
Additionally, the 49ers are evaluating how to best address their need for interior defensive line disruption. The current coaching staff, led by defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, emphasize a defensive line that can generate pressure on quarterbacks as well as stout run defense. While Davis excelled against the run, his pass rush impact is less pronounced, prompting the team to consider other options that might better fit a more dynamic defensive front.
The existing depth chart includes younger defensive tackles and potential draft picks that the team could develop to fill the void. Veteran players such as Arik Armstead remain on the roster to provide leadership and versatility along the line. These factors collectively informed the front office's decision to forego a tender for Davis.
Looking Ahead for Kalia Davis and the 49ers
As an unrestricted free agent, Davis enters the market with a full season of starting experience on a playoff-contending team, which enhances his appeal. He can explore opportunities for a multi-year deal or a prove-it contract with teams seeking a durable and savvy run defender for their interior defensive line.
For the 49ers, this move marks the beginning of changes along the defensive front. They will likely pursue veterans in free agency or seek value in the 2026 NFL Draft to bolster the defensive tackle position opposite their primary disruptor. The team has a solid track record of finding defensive line talent in the draft, which could shape their strategy moving forward.
Conclusion
The 49ers' choice not to tender Kalia Davis is a calculated roster decision reflecting both financial and football considerations. Davis, who overcame injury setbacks early in his career to become a reliable starter in 2025, is poised to find a new home as an unrestricted free agent.
Meanwhile, the 49ers must address the gap left on their interior line as they proceed through the offseason. With general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan steering decisions, the goal remains clear: to assemble a roster capable of competing for a Super Bowl title. The reported non-tender of Davis is one early step in this continual process of roster shaping.