The 49ers still have work to do along their offensive line.

Speaking to local media at the NFL Annual League Meeting on Sunday, general manager/president of football operations John Lynch said the starting left guard position remains unsettled, with multiple players expected to compete for the role as San Francisco continues to evaluate its options.

“I think left guard is going to be a competition,” Lynch said. “And I don’t think we’re done there yet … So I think that thing’s going to be wide open.”

With the 2026 NFL Draft still ahead, Lynch’s comments signal the 49ers could continue adding depth to a position group that remains one of the team’s biggest question marks entering the upcoming season.

San Francisco does have internal candidates. Lynch pointed to Colton McKivitz as a player who “showed a lot of traits” last season and could take another step with continued development. Nick Zakelj also remains on the roster and figures to be part of the competition.

The 49ers also brought in outside help this offseason, including Robert Jones, a player the organization has tracked closely. Jones is familiar with the system after working with former 49ers run game coordinator Mike McDaniel in Miami, and Lynch stated the team feels confident in his return after missing the 2025 NFL season with a neck injury.

“We obviously did a thorough look into that situation,” Lynch noted. “We felt good. Our medical team felt good about where he’s at.”

San Francisco added further depth with Vederian Lowe, who Lynch said gives the 49ers a “legit swing tackle” capable of stepping in across the line after starting multiple games in the NFL.

Versatility appears to be a key factor in the competition as well. Lynch highlighted Brett Toth as a “unique” option along the interior, noting his ability to play both center and guard after transitioning from tackle early in his career.

While the left guard spot remains in flux, Lynch expressed confidence in other areas of the offensive line.

Center Jake Brendel “played really well” last season, while Dominick Puni showed resilience playing through a PCL injury before returning to form later in the year.

Still, the biggest takeaway from Lynch’s update was clear: no job has been won yet.

San Francisco has built a pool of options along the interior offensive line — but with the NFL draft approaching, the competition at left guard might just be getting started.

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