The San Francisco 49ers officially kicked off Organized Team Activities (OTAs) for the 2026 season on May 22, and the first session at the team's Santa Clara facility delivered a notable surprise: star defensive end Nick Bosa was in attendance.
For a player who has traditionally spent his offseasons training at his own facility in Florida, Bosa's presence at voluntary workouts--the earliest phase of the offseason program--sent a clear message about the team's focus heading into the new season. It also served as the headline from a day that featured strong participation from the roster's core and a first look at a significantly retooled defensive line.
Star Power Shows Up Early
While no NFL team can mandate attendance during OTAs--these sessions are voluntary under the collective bargaining agreement--the 49ers received a strong showing from their leadership group. Alongside Bosa, quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, and linebacker Fred Warner were all spotted on the field during the media-access portion of practice.
For a team with Super Bowl aspirations and a roster that has undergone considerable turnover along the front seven, having that quartet on the field in late May is a meaningful indicator of organizational alignment. Purdy, entering his fourth season as the starter, is now firmly entrenched as the face of the franchise. Kittle continues to defy age at his position. Warner remains the heartbeat of the defense. And Bosa--when he's present and healthy--is one of the most disruptive pass rushers in the game.
The attendance of these four players alone accounts for a significant portion of the team's salary cap investment, but more importantly, it represents the cultural foundation head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have built. The voluntary nature of OTAs makes participation a choice, and the choices made by the team's highest-paid players speak volumes.
A New-Look Defensive Front
The most compelling storyline emerging from the first OTA session was the team's new-look defensive line. With several familiar faces from recent seasons no longer on the roster, the 49ers are clearly in a transition phase up front--and the early returns from offseason acquisitions have generated legitimate buzz.
The 49ers added veteran defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and second-year defensive end Mykel Williams, both of whom saw extensive reps during the first practice. Odighizuwa, a disruptive interior presence, brings a proven track record of getting after the quarterback from the inside--a skill set that should complement Bosa's edge pressure. Williams, meanwhile, enters the league with first-round pedigree and the physical tools to develop into a long-term bookend opposite Bosa.
The defensive line room now includes Keion White, acquired in a trade, who adds another dimension as a power rusher. Cameron Sample, William Bradley-King, and Romello Height round out an edge group that has suddenly become deeper than it has been in years.
On the interior, Alfred Collins joins Odighizuwa alongside holdovers Kevin Givens, Sam Okuayinonu, and Sebastian Valdez. The team also brought in Evan Anderson and C.J. West, both of whom will compete for rotational snaps. The sheer volume of new faces suggests the coaching staff is committed to reestablishing a dominant pass rush after a 2025 season that, while competitive, lacked the consistent four-man pressure that defined the 49ers' best defensive units.
It's still May, and pads won't come on until training camp, but the early alignment of the defensive front is encouraging. The defensive coordinator and defensive line coach have their work cut out for them in terms of building chemistry and installing systems, but the raw talent is undeniable.
Quarterback Room Stability
Brock Purdy looked sharp during the practice portion open to reporters, connecting with a receiving corps that remains one of the deeper units in the league. Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, Christian Kirk, and Demarcus Robinson all saw reps, giving Purdy a wealth of options in the passing game.
The arrival of veteran wideout Mike Evans adds an intriguing dynamic. At this stage in his career, Evans may no longer be a true No. 1 receiver, but his size, experience, and red-zone prowess provide a reliable target for Purdy in critical situations. The depth chart at receiver is crowded, which is a luxury most teams would envy.
Behind Purdy, the team carries Mac Jones, Adrian Martinez, and Kurtis Rourke. Jones, a former first-round pick, provides veteran insurance. Martinez offers mobility and a developmental ceiling. Rourke is a camp arm who could push for a practice squad spot. The room is stable, and Purdy's hold on the starting job is unquestioned.
Offensive Line Continuity
One area where the 49ers have invested heavily is along the offensive line, and continuity showed during the first OTA. Trent Williams remains the anchor at left tackle, with Colton McKivitz at right tackle. Dominick Puni and Jake Brendel hold down the interior, and the team added veteran guard Robert Jones to compete for a starting spot.
The line is experienced, physical, and--most importantly--familiar with the system. In an offense that relies on timing, zone-blocking concepts, and precise route combinations, having continuity up front is essential. The 49ers appear to have that in 2026, which bodes well for both the running game and Purdy's protection.
Linebacker Corps Remains Elite
With Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw on the field, the 49ers' linebacker group remains one of the best in football. Warner is the defensive quarterback, a sideline-to-sideline presence who erases mistakes and orchestrates the front seven. Greenlaw, when healthy, provides the physical complement.
The team also brought back veteran Luke Gifford and added depth in Tatum Bethune and Nick Martin. The special teams coordinator will have plenty of athletes to work with, but in the base defense, the 49ers are as strong at linebacker as any team in the league.
Secondary Under Construction
The defensive backfield remains a work in progress, but the team has added pieces. Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green are the projected starting cornerbacks, with Jack Jones, Nate Hobbs, and Darrell Luter Jr. competing for nickel and depth roles. The safety group features Ji'Ayir Brown, Malik Mustapha, and veteran Darrick Forrest, who brings range and experience.
The secondary was a question mark entering the offseason, and while the team hasn't made a blockbuster addition, the competition throughout OTAs and training camp should clarify the pecking order. The coaching staff has a blend of youth and veteran savvy to mold.
What OTAs Tell Us
It's important not to overreact to May practices. The players are in shorts and shells. Contact is minimal. Installations are basic. But OTAs do offer insight into participation, conditioning, and attitude. Having Bosa, Purdy, Kittle, and Warner all on the field together in the first week of OTAs--voluntary OTAs, at that--suggests a team that is locked in and eager to hit the ground running.
The 49ers have been one of the most consistent contenders in the NFC over the past several seasons. They've been to the NFC Championship Game twice and the Super Bowl once during the Shanahan-Lynch era. The window remains open, but the roster is always evolving. The new-look defensive line will be one of the most closely watched units across the entire league, and the early returns from Day 1 of OTAs are positive.
If Bosa continues to participate, if the defensive line develops chemistry, and if Purdy picks up where he left off, the 49ers could be poised for another deep run. May optimism is cheap, but it's better than the alternative.
The 2026 season has officially begun.