After a disappointing 2024 season, improving the offensive line will need to be a major priority for the San Francisco 49ers. Not only will they need to improve the unit if they want to contend in a competitive conference, but they will also need to be able to protect quarterback Brock Purdy, who is due for a costly contract extension.
As a whole, the offensive line performed respectably for most of the 2024 campaign. At 36 years of age, Trent Williams proved to still be one of the best left tackles in football but was limited to just 10 games. The All-Pro left tackle was forced to sit out the final seven games of the regular season due to an ankle injury.
Rookie guard Dominick Puni turned out to be a revelation, as the third round selection in the 2023 draft stepped into a starting role and dominated defenders all season. According to Pro Football Focus he was the highest-graded rookie lineman in the league.
Top 101 NFL players from the 2024 season: #100: G Dominick Puni ⛏? The highest graded rookie OL this season pic.twitter.com/suBjDUbWWz
Jake Brendel, Colton McKivitz and Aaron Banks played significant roles in the offensive achievements of the team. The 49ers offense finished 12th overall in rushing with 2,163 yards and 4th in passing with 4,425 total yards.
2024 PFF Pass/Run/Overall blocking grades:
| Player | Snaps | Pass Bl | Run Bl | OVR Grade |
| Trent Williams | 649 | 84.5 | 81.4 | 85.6 |
| Aaron Banks | 775 | 60.5 | 68.9 | 65.4 |
| Jake Brendel | 1,072 | 55.1 | 71.6 | 65.0 |
| Dominick Puni | 1,078 | 68.9 | 81.5 | 80.5 |
| Colton McKivitz | 1,062 | 72.8 | 68.6 | 72.2 |
The group was a solid run-blocking unit, but pass protection was a glaring issue. Brock Purdy's ability to be an effective passer under pressure helped the offense move the ball; however, the 49ers must avoid situations where Purdy is forced to scramble early or take excessive hits. Purdy was sacked, a career-high, 31 times in 2024.
Changes to the offensive line are on the horizon, as starting left guard Aaron Banks is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Depth players such as Ben Bartch, Charlie Heck, Jaylon Moore, and Jon Feliciano are also set to hit the free agency market. As of now, Spencer Burford would make the most sense to replace Banks; however, it seems unlikely that the 49ers would opt to go in this direction as they approach the upcoming season.
The 49ers will expect their depth players to step up and compete. Guards Nick Zakelj, Matt Hennessy, and tackle Austen Pleasants played regular season snaps last season and could have an opportunity at increased roles.
There will be potential free agents that the team could look at signing to bring immediate results, however lineman rarely come cheap in the free agent market.
Here are a list of the notable lineman set to become free agents (as of today) and an estimated Average Annual Value (AAV):
Trey Smith- G (KC) - $20.5m AAV
Ronnie Stanley - T (BLT) - $20m AAV
Cam Robinson - T (MIN) - $19m AAV
Drew Dalman - C (ATL) - $12m AAV
Will Fries- G (IND) - $14.5m AAV
Teven Jenkins - G (CHI) - $13m AAV
Kevin Zeitler- G (DET) - $5.5m AAV
James Daniels - G (PIT)- $5m AAV
The most likely and cost-effective way for the 49ers to improve their line will be the 2025 NFL Draft, where there are a few top lineman prospects that the 49ers could target in the first round.
Will Campbell - T (LSU)
Josh Simmons - T (OSU)
Kelvin Banks Jr. - T (Texas)
The 49ers front office faces significant challenges in the coming months as they seek to recover from a dismal 6-11 season. The management of the offensive line will likely play a crucial role in shaping the team's success for the 2025 season.
