The San Francisco 49ers appear to have four of their five offensive line spots locked in heading into the 2026 season. The lone question mark is left guard, where rookie Carver Willis, second-year lineman Connor Colby, and veteran Robert Jones are expected to compete for the starting job.
While the battle at left guard may not generate the same buzz as some of the 49ers' other training camp storylines, it could prove to be one of the team's most important competitions.
Bleacher Report's Moe Moton believes the 49ers should skip the uncertainty altogether by signing veteran free agent Kevin Zeitler, plugging the 14-year NFL veteran into the lineup as the Week 1 starter.
"He's a plug-and-play option for clubs that need a gap-blocking interior offensive lineman," Moton wrote. "At 36, Zeitler still has the strength to hold his own in the trenches."
Zeitler has started 213 games during his NFL career and has remained one of the league's most consistent interior linemen. According to Pro Football Focus, he has earned an offensive grade of at least 71.6 in each of the past five seasons. In 2024, he posted an 86.5 offensive grade—his highest since 2014.
"The San Francisco 49ers have a need at left guard following the departure of Spencer Burford in free agency," Moton continued. "They should consider a more experienced upgrade over 2025 seventh-rounder Connor Colby.
"Zeitler can be a strong asset in head coach Kyle Shanahan's run-heavy offense, which has ranked within the top 10 in carries for four of the previous five seasons. He can be a bridge starter while rookie fourth-rounder Carver Willis develops in a backup role."
The biggest drawback to signing Zeitler is his age. At 36, he would join an already aging 49ers roster. However, as a short-term solution while Willis or Colby continue to develop, the veteran could provide stability to an offensive line that protects Brock Purdy and help the 49ers keep pace in an NFC West that now features Myles Garrett.
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