49ers free agent fit: Kevin Zeitler named 'no-brainer' option for O-line

The San Francisco 49ers added offensive lineman Carver Willis in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but the competition at left guard remains wide open.

Willis is expected to battle second-year lineman Connor Colby and veteran Robert Jones for the starting role, which stands as the lone unsettled spot along an otherwise stable offensive front following Trent Williams' contract extension.

Matt Okada of NFL.com has another name to throw into the mix, one with 213 games of starting experience: Kevin Zeitler.

"The 49ers won seven of their last nine games in 2025, including the playoffs," Okada wrote. "The only two losses: against Seattle in Week 18 and against Seattle in the Divisional Round. You know, that 41-6 shellacking in which the 'Hawks pressured Brock Purdy on 39.4 percent of his dropbacks.

"This offseason, San Francisco lost starting guard Spencer Burford in free agency, so an upgrade on the interior feels important. Zeitler, a 14-year veteran, earned a top-15 overall PFF grade among guards in each of the last two seasons and is the only still-available guard from Rosenthal's Top 101."

Zeitler's recent production supports the case. He posted an 86.5 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024 with the Detroit Lions, followed by a 74.5 mark with the Tennessee Titans in 2025, allowing just 16 total pressures last season.

Durability has also been a hallmark of his career. He has started at least 15 games in each of the past 11 seasons and played 96 percent or more of offensive snaps in 10 of those campaigns.

"At 36 years old, Zeitler is likely headed for another one-year contract, but the Niners are contenders with a need -- and $44.9 million in cap space -- so it makes a lot of sense," Okada added. "Unless they're comfortable rocking with Dominick Puni and Connor Colby as their starters, Zeitler is a no-brainer add."