Kurtenbach: Five under-the-radar moves that could loom large for the 2026 49ers

The 49ers’ offseason may not have produced headline-making moves, but San Francisco’s spring work could be significant for the team’s 2026 outlook, according to the article. It argues that early “trophies” in March do not always translate into January success, and emphasizes how the organization has handled unexpected outcomes. It highlights past low-expectation contributors—players such as Jake Tonges, Tatum Bethune, Garrett Wallow, and Kendrick Bourne—none of whom were widely expected to shape the 2025 campaign. The piece identifies potential impact candidates across the roster, focusing on the offensive line with Vadarian Lowe and Robert Jones, and on the defensive line with Bryson Eason and James Thompson. The writers connect these moves to personnel needs created by roster turnover, including uncertainty around Trent Williams’ availability. The article also frames training camp as the next key moment.