Cap Jump Rewrites 49ers' 2026 Playbook
The NFL expects a 2026 salary cap between $301.2M and $305.7M, a sharp rise from 2025's $279.2M, shaping the 49ers’ strategic planning. In a 2026 mock draft, Utah OT Caleb Lomu is viewed as a long‑term replacement at left/right tackle behind Trent Williams, with strong pass protection (82.1 PFF grade in 2025) but weaker run blocking (62.0). The 49ers are also weighing an internal candidate, Bradley, for defensive coordinator, whose Seattle/Chargers defenses were strong early on but inconsistent recently with the Colts, while he served as a motivating presence for SF in 2025.