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49ers named ideal landing spot for two remaining NFL free agents
Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

With the initial wave of free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft complete, most of the San Francisco 49ers' offseason roster reshuffling appears finished. However, the team could still look to strengthen a few key areas before training camp.

ESPN's Matt Bowen recently identified the best NFL fits for 14 remaining free agents, linking two available veterans to the 49ers: offensive guard Kevin Zeitler and pass rusher Joey Bosa.

Zeitler is an understandable fit for San Francisco, considering left guard remains the only unsettled position along the offensive line. Rookie Carver Willis, second-year lineman Connor Colby, and veteran Robert Jones are expected to compete for the starting role entering camp.

At 36 years old, Zeitler isn't a long-term solution. But the veteran would provide the 49ers with an experienced Pro Bowl-caliber presence on the interior offensive line while younger players continue to develop.

"The veteran has a physical inside presence, using his power to displace defensive tackles," Bowen wrote. "And he has the movement ability to pull on gap schemes, which fits into Kyle Shanahan's system.

"Zeitler also uses his strong base in protection, ranking 37th out of 65 qualifying guards in pass block win rate last season (92.4%). He would be an upgrade to the interior of San Francisco's O-line, which saw left guard Spencer Burford leave for the Raiders in free agency."

Bosa is a name often linked to San Francisco.

The 49ers added to their defensive front during the draft by selecting Romello Height, but questions remain about the team's overall pass-rush depth. Nick Bosa, Joey's younger brother, and Mykel Williams are both expected to return after ACL injuries last season, yet San Francisco could still use more proven production off the edge.

"Bosa has answered some availability questions over the past two seasons, playing in at least 14 games in each, and he fits as a pass rusher in Raheem Morris' defense," Bowen wrote. "Bosa played 36.3 snaps per game last season in Buffalo, finishing with five sacks, five forced fumbles, and 42 pressures.

"We still see Bosa's speed-to-power ability on tape, and he still keeps high energy to make stops later in the down. He would provide quality depth for a 49ers' pass rush that ranked last in pressure rate (24.9%) and total sacks (20) in 2025. And why not have some fun and put him next to his brother, Nick?"

This article first appeared on 49ers Webzone and was syndicated with permission.

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