On the offensive-front move, Sherman highlighted Linderbaum as a high-value target but questioned why the Baltimore Ravens let him walk, stressing the need for due diligence. He noted Linderbaum’s reliability and durability, while warning that San Francisco would face a higher price tag given his status and the center market. The implication was that the 49ers should exhaust every avenue before making a commitment.
Sherman’s plan also calls for letting Jennings explore free agency and only matching an offer if the price is reasonable. Jennings signed a two-year, roughly $15.4 million deal in 2024, with incentives and restructurings in 2025 increasing his potential earnings. The idea is to keep negotiations open and avoid overcommitting if a better opportunity arises elsewhere.
In addition to the interior line and receiver moves, Sherman proposed a quarterback maneuver: exploring a Mac Jones trade window. He suggested teams that could pair a quarterback with a top receiving option, including the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Jets, and floated the notion of Jones potentially being moved for a receiver and a pick.
The discussion comes amid questions about San Francisco’s passing game: Christian McCaffrey led the 49ers with 924 receiving yards, but the team lacked a consistently reliable primary receiver. Sherman’s proposed moves aim to overhaul the offense without altering the current coaching staff, while also weighing the quarterback puzzle ahead of March 2026 free agency.
As the 49ers approach the 2026 offseason, Shanahan faces a strategic crossroads: whether to pursue a high-cost center in Linderbaum, risk free-agent negotiations with Jennings, and consider a quarterback swap in a broader market. Whether this plan gains traction remains to be seen, but Sherman’s input underscores a willingness to entertain significant, game-changing offseason moves.
