49ers might fight over Pro Bowl protector for Brock Purdy with Chargers and Lions

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images attach

49ers might fight over Pro Bowl protector for Brock Purdy with Chargers and Lions originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The San Francisco 49ers have done a lot to improve the team this offseason, and even though many didn't like their 2026 NFL Draft class, their other offseason moves drew plenty of praise.

Mike Evans, Trent Williams, Osa Odighizuwa, and the return of Dre Greenlaw were great moves this offseason. But there is still one position the team could benefit from adding this offseason.

That position provides more protection for Borck Purdy. And specifically, a new left guard. Fortunately, there is a great Pro Bowl protector still available. But, as Bleacher Report's Alex Kay notes, the 49ers might fight with the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions for this lineman.

49ers might have to contend with Lions, Chargers for Pro Bowl OL Kevin Zeitler​

"Considering the number of NFL teams that still have glaring holes along the offensive line, it's downright shocking that Kevin Zeitler hasn't found a home," Kay writes. "... Potential Landing Spots: Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, San Francisco 49ers."

The 49ers might've been able to bring back Williams for the next two years, but the team does still have a hole at one of their guard spots.

While Dominick Puni is a solid right guard, Robert Jones is currently slotted into the left guard spot. The 49ers need to find a way to upgrade that position before 2026.

That's why going after someone like Zeitler, who is a 14-year NFL veteran and a Pro Bowler just three years ago with the Baltimore Ravens, would make a ton of sense.

He's mainly played right guard in his long NFL career, but he's more than capable of moving to the left side. And even if he can't, Puni could move over to make the collective offensive line better.

MORE: 49ers voice frustrations over grueling 2026 travel schedule

Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch could go after a few players this offseason to fill this left guard need, but of their options, there might not be a better one than Zeitler.

The issue, of course, is that he might not be a simple free agent to go after. Teams like the Lions and Chargers also could use more offensive line help, and Zeitler would make a lot of sense for both teams.

However, with the 49ers in what's likely the toughest division in football in the NFC West, they need all of the help they can get to surpass the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks.

Zeitler might not be the most eye-catching upgrade for the 49ers, but if they could bring him in, he'd be exactly the kind of player that could help take the 49ers offense over the top in 2026.

More NFL news:​

• Stefon Diggs linked to Rams, Chiefs, Commanders after Patriots release
• 49ers and Chiefs rumored as Eagles trade partner for AJ Brown
• Bengals fans should worry about second-year linebackers in 2026
• Seahawks’ Nick Emmanwori can be an All-Pro if he plays better in pass coverage
• Taylen Green has a much higher ceiling for Browns than Shedeur Sanders

Continue reading...