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By Matthew Davis
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The San Francisco 49ers saw quarterback Brock Purdy take too many hits last season.
Purdy took 11 sacks in nine games last season, as he missed time due to injury. If the 49ers make a key improvement on the offensive line, that could change, as Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton sees it.
Moton believes the 49ers should pursue former Tennessee Titans offensive guard and free agent Kevin Zeitler. The 14-year veteran would fill a significant void in the process.
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“The San Francisco 49ers have a need at left guard following the departure of Spencer Burford in free agency,” Moton wrote. “They should consider a more experienced upgrade over 2025 seventh-rounder Connor Colby.”
“Zeitler can be a strong asset in head coach Kyle Shanahan's run-heavy offense, which has ranked within the top 10 in carries for four of the previous five seasons,” Moton added.
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To Moton’s point, signing Zeitler would also benefit 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. The 49ers rely on the versatile star to rack up yardage with a bevy of carries each week.
McCaffrey logged 311 carries last season with 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns. That’s the second time in three years he went over 270 carries, and the Niners are hoping it will be back-to-back years this time after an injury-riddled season in 2024.
There’s just one challenge with Zeitler, despite his vast experience. Zeitler has played right guard for most of his career, and Buford played left guard.
“If he's able to flip from right to left guard for the short term, the longtime veteran can be a bridge starter while rookie fourth-rounder Carver Willis develops in a backup role,” Moton wrote.
San Francisco has the money to sign Zeitler with $72.13 million in salary cap space. Zeitler could command $9.2 million annually.
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