The San Francisco 49ers are preparing to invest significantly in their young quarterback, Brock Purdy. With that in mind, it's only logical for the team to prioritize protecting their long-term asset.
Many expect general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan to use their first-round draft pick on the best offensive tackle available. However, the team can address its interior offensive line needs sooner by targeting a guard in free agency.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) analyst Mason Cameron recently examined 15 of the top impending offensive free agents, identifying ideal landing spots for each. For Chicago Bears guard Teven Jenkins, Cameron believes the 49ers would be a perfect fit.
"A series of nagging injuries plagued Jenkins' 2024 campaign, but even still, he managed to produce well on the interior of this Bears' offensive line," Cameron wrote. "His 75.8 PFF pass-blocking grade stands as a career-high for the 26-year-old guard after he allowed just a 3.8% pressure rate (also a career-high)."
Jenkins, a second-round pick by the Bears in 2021, has started 38 games over four NFL seasons. In 2024, he logged a career-high 14 starts, playing exclusively at left guard with 738 snaps. However, Jenkins also brings versatility, having played 852 combined snaps at right guard during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
The 49ers could soon face a vacancy at left guard, as current starter Aaron Banks is slated to hit free agency.
At 26 years old and standing 6-foot-6, 321 pounds, Jenkins has the size and potential to further solidify San Francisco's offensive line. Pro Football Focus recently ranked him as the 25th-best impending free agent.
"The Niners nailed their selection of Dominick Puni in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft but still need to build up their interior," Cameron commented. "Adding Jenkins to the left side would complement both Puni at the other guard spot and Trent Williams on the outside."