The San Francisco 49ers have opted for a conservative strategy regarding their offensive line in the lead-up to the 2025 NFL season, retaining key starters such as Trent Williams, Jake Brendel, Dominick Puni, and Colton McKivitz. Despite the critical nature of the position, the team has not made significant investments in either free agency or the draft, raising eyebrows among analysts and former players alike.
In the offseason, the 49ers signed Vederian Lowe to a two-year contract worth $9.25 million to serve as their swing tackle. Additionally, Brett Toth was brought in on a one-year deal valued at $2.5 million to compete for a guard position, while Robert Jones joined the team on a one-year, $1.75 million contract, also vying for the left guard spot alongside Connor Colby.
When it came time for the NFL Draft, the 49ers waited until Day 3 to bolster their offensive line, selecting Carver Willis from Washington in the fourth round and Enrique Cruz Jr. from Kansas in the fifth round. This decision has set the stage for a competitive battle for the left guard position, but the results have been inconsistent, compounded by injuries that have plagued several candidates throughout training camp.
As the offseason progressed, the 49ers made a notable move by trading a Day 3 draft pick to acquire Jarrett Patterson from the Houston Texans. Patterson is expected to contribute immediately at both center and guard, with head coach Kyle Shanahan indicating that the starting left guard position remains undecided as the season approaches.
Richard Sherman, a former cornerback for the 49ers, has voiced his concerns regarding the team's approach to their offensive line. He highlighted the lack of investment in strengthening the interior line, especially as the team prepares to face formidable defensive lines from rivals like the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks. Sherman stated, “The thing they didn’t do that I was concerned about was that interior offensive line. They didn’t strengthen it.” He emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, noting that the team is now late in the offseason and still scrambling to solidify their offensive line.
Historically, the 49ers have faced criticism for their drafting strategy concerning the offensive line. Since selecting Mike McGlinchey in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the team has not used a first-round pick on an offensive lineman. Their approach has often leaned towards retaining existing players rather than making high-profile acquisitions.
In the last decade, the 49ers have used only two top-two-round picks on offensive linemen: McGlinchey and Aaron Banks, who was taken in the second round of the 2021 draft. A review of their recent drafts reveals a concerning trend, with only a handful of players like Dominick Puni and McKivitz showing promise. As the current season looms, the lack of depth and investment in the offensive line could prove detrimental, particularly with the team still determining their starting left guard.
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