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The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2026 offseason with a glaring need at left guard, a position that undermined their offensive line stability throughout the 2025 season.<\/p>\n
Despite my early optimism, the combination of Spencer Burford<\/a> and Ben Bartch<\/a> proved inadequate for a team with championship ambitions. Burford, once viewed as a promising talent, struggled mightily in all categories. In fact, he statistically ranked as the worst starting left guard in the NFL for pass protection in 2025, with a run-blocking grade of 62.6 and a pass-blocking grade of 48.5 courtesy of PFF<\/a>, a distinction that no contender can afford.<\/p>\n While Bartch provided a modest upgrade, his inability to stay healthy\u2014missing considerable time last season\u2014further destabilized the unit. With both players now pending free agents, the 49ers face a crucial crossroads in their quest to keep their Super Bowl window open.<\/p>\n As of today, the 49ers’ left guard depth chart is uninspiring. Connor Colby<\/a>, who would be the starter if the season began today, isn’t good enough for a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Relying on Colby would be a gamble for head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch\u2014a gamble I wouldn’t expect them to take.<\/p>\n High-Impact Solutions<\/p>\n To make a substantial upgrade, the 49ers must explore free agency for proven talent. The premier option is Joel Bitonio<\/a>, the decorated Cleveland Browns guard.<\/p>\n Bitonio, 34, is contemplating retirement but remains one of the league’s elite interior linemen, boasting two first-team All-Pro selections and seven Pro Bowl nods.<\/p>\n Newly appointed Browns head coach Todd Monken is actively recruiting<\/a> Bitonio for another season in Cleveland, and while the odds of his departure appear slim, the 49ers offer a compelling pitch\u2014a legitimate shot at a Super Bowl title.<\/p>\n If Lynch and Shanahan can entice Bitonio to chase a championship in San Francisco, it would be a significant upgrade for the offensive line, bringing veteran leadership and unmatched consistency. Having (potentially) Trent Williams<\/a> and Bitonio on the left side would be a huge benefit to the 49ers’ offense.<\/p>\n Should Bitonio remain in Cleveland or retire, the 49ers have another attractive free agent target: Isaac Seumalo<\/a> from the Pittsburgh Steelers.<\/p>\n At 32, Seumalo earned a strong 74.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF) in 2025, ranking him 12th among all guards league-wide. He excelled particularly in pass protection, a critical need for San Francisco, while remaining a serviceable run blocker. Seumalo was widely regarded as Pittsburgh’s top offensive lineman last season, surrendering just 15 total pressures and three sacks across 14 games.<\/p>\n