49ers projected to sign 12-year Browns All-Pro guard to play next to Trent Williams originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The San Francisco 49ers have some work to do this offseason. While there’s been a focus on the wide receiver and edge rusher spots, which are two huge needs, the 49ers could use some better offensive line play.

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While the 49ers could turn to the 2026 NFL Draft for a new left guard, they could also add a veteran in free agency to create a stable line from left to right.

ESPN’s Aaron Schatz projected that the 49ers would go out and sign a 12-year Cleveland Browns veteran guard, Joel Bitonio. This two-time All-Pro would be a great addition for the 49ers and would give them two potential Hall of Famers at LT and LG in 2026.

49ers projected to sign Joel Bitonio in free agency

“Would the 49ers be willing to put 34-year-old Bitonio next to 37-year-old Trent Williams (assuming the Niners and Williams can work out his contract situation) on the left side of their offensive line?” Schatz writes. “There’s an opening here, and a chance for Bitonio to finally go after a Super Bowl ring with a real contender.”

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Bitonio has played 12 seasons in the NFL, all of which have come with the Browns. He’s made seven Pro Bowls and was a two-time All-Pro.

With the 49ers having an opening at left guard, they could target this Browns veteran guard to pair with Williams along the left side of the offensive line.

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The 34-year-old Bitonio and 37-year-old Williams would be the oldest left tackle and left guard duo in the NFL. But, with both potentially on their way to the Hall of Fame, the 49ers could have a great duo along the offensive line.

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Having these two potential future Hall of Famers next to one another along the offensive line would be a very fun pairing.

The 49ers, in a contested NFC West, will need all of the help they can get. Adding Bitonio, as Schatz predicts, would make for a great signing this offseason.

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