The San Francisco 49ers dealt with a lot of injuries during the 2025 NFL season, and while those injuries were a fluke, they did bring about the issues at two position groups that a major need this offseason.
John Lynch needs to add to the 49ers’ wide receiver and pass rusher rooms this offseason. But the 49ers could also use more help along the offensive line, specifically at offensive guard.
For Mason Cameron of PFF.com, there’s one free agent guard, in a potential future Hall of Famer, who’s best landing spot is with the 49ers. That player is Cleveland Browns icon Joel Bitonio.
49ers linked to Joel Bitonio as best landing spot for Browns OL
“He is experienced in winning with leverage over force,” Cameron writes, “which has allowed him to thrive late in his career as a zone blocker, ranking in the 91st percentile in PFF run-blocking grade over the past three seasons. That would fit well in Kyle Shanahan’s system…”
Bitonio is an NFL legend, playing 12 years in the league, all with the Browns. He was taken in the 2nd round, 35th overall, in the 2014 NFL Draft, and has since played 178 games and every snap of his career with Cleveland.
But, he might be leaving the Browns this offseason now that he’s a free agent. If he doesn’t decide to retire, then the 49ers would be an ideal landing spot for Bitonio.
They would be an ideal spot for him, schematically, and also give him a very strong chance to make it to the playoffs for the third time in his long NFL career.
More: Broncos, Bucs, 49ers listed as top landing spots for $66 million former Pro Bowl tight end
Bitonio is 34 years old and is a seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro. He’s also earned three second-time All-Pro nods in his illustrious career.
He’s a stalwart along the offensive line, and if the 49ers could add him this offseason, he’d be a great addition to improve the interior of the offensive line.
San Francisco could replace Spencer Burford or Dominick Puni with Bitonio, with Burford the most likely player to be replaced if they do bring in Bitonio.
Having Trent Williams and Bitonio next to one another would make for a great pairing in 2026, with two potential future Hall of Famers next to each other along the offensive line.
