Why the 49ers Didn't Address Offensive Line in Free Agency

Not a single new offensive line

Offensive line is what failed the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

However, the 49ers didn't make any real moves to improve the position in free agency. Former Las Vegas Raiders lineman Brandon Parker is the only new player they brought in and he is simply for depth. They also re-signed Jon Feliciano, which is a fine move considering how clutch he came through for the 49ers last season.

At this point, the 49ers are running it back with the same exact offensive line that failed them in the biggest game of the year. It is like they didn't learn anything. But there is a good reason the 49ers didn't address the offensive line in free agency. That is because it isn't the correct avenue for them to take in improving the position. In fact, you could argue that about almost any position.

Where the 49ers are truly going to strengthen it is in the upcoming NFL draft. Plenty of offensive lineman are there for the 49ers to take with where they are picking in the first round. They could likely find someone who is ready to start instantly and be a solid starter. The best part is that the 49ers don't have to significantly overpay someone by electing to draft a lineman.

If there is anything that has been proven through this free agency period it is that offensive lineman, especially the guards, are cashing in heavily. The 49ers were never going to be able to do so. They don't have the salary cap space. Even if they were to free up more, it wouldn't be worth signing one upgrade on the offensive line over the needs at defensive line with seven players hitting free agency.

I'm sure there is impatience brewing among fans who want to see the upgrades immediately, but this isn't something that can be rushed. The draft is the only place the 49ers can find their immediate starter and potentially future starters. Another perspective to consider is that perhaps the 49ers don't view their offensive line as badly as others, like myself, believe it to be.

This offensive line was good enough for the 49ers to get to the Super Bowl after all. However, the pushback is that it is their ceiling. When this unit goes up against truly threatening defensive fronts they crumble. They did against the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, then got exposed again by the Chiefs. All three teams have incredible defensive fronts.

For the 49ers' sake, they better find the right players in the draft to get their offensive line tightened up. Going into 2024 with Spencer Burford, Colton McKivitz, and Feliciano as the answers on the right side of the offensive line will end up failing them again.