San Francisco 49ers key player announce never to return

The seven unsigned free agents for the 49ers are unlikely to return.

There does not seem to be any pressure on any of the 49ers’ own NFL free agents to re-sign with San Francisco, as seven of them are still unsigned.

Among the 49ers’ unsigned free agents, kicker Robbie Gould had the biggest impact. However, he said before free agency opened that he would not be resigning, hence his time with the team came to an end.

And after trading for veteran kicker Zane Gonzalez from the Carolina Panthers, the 49ers were able to move on from the most accurate kicker in team history.

Going forward in the 2023 NFL Draft, the 49ers are willing to choose a kicker; in the meantime, Gould is still a free agent seeking his next move.

Additionally, defensive line is probably San Francisco’s top draft priority, which would make it doubtful that rotational player Kerry Hyder Jr. would sign a new contract.

Samson Ebukam, Charles Omenihu and Jordan Willis all left the 49ers in free agency, but they signed free agents Javon Hargrave, Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant.

Following four seasons in which the 49ers signed cornerback Jason Verrett to one-year contracts, it appears doubtful that they will seek to extend their relationship.

A series of serious injuries, including a ruptured Achilles last year, destroyed Verrett’s once bright NFL career.

Veteran 49ers cornerback Dontae Johnson suffered an ACL tear in 2022, ending his season. Should Johnson recover fully and San Francisco finds itself in a pinch in the middle of the season, Johnson may be able to play again.

Josh Johnson, the quarterback, and tight ends Tyler Kroft and Jordan Matthews don’t seem to have much of a reason to be signed again before the draft, if any.

Before the seasoned quarterback left the NFC Championship Game, Johnson struggled in Brock Purdy’s place.

With a concussion, Kroft deprived Ross Dwelley of playing time in the previous season, but the 49ers chose to re-sign Dwelley. Kroft failed to block Philadelphia Eagles edge Haason Reddick on the play that resulted in Purdy’s elbow injury. RELATED: Lynch makes a last-ditch plea to York for Hargrave pursuit Matthews, trying to transition from wide receiver, was placed on injured reserve with an ACL tear last season.