The San Francisco 49ers remain firmly in win-now mode heading into the 2026 NFL season, and they are showing no signs of slowing down in their pursuit of another Super Bowl run. After already adding impact veterans like Dre Greenlaw, Mike Evans, and Christian Kirk to bolster key areas, the team could be eyeing yet another savvy veteran addition—this time to strengthen the offensive line.

According to David Lombardi of The SF Standard, a prominent 49ers insider, Cleveland Browns free agent Joel Bitonio emerges as a compelling potential target to upgrade the left guard position, provided the veteran decides against retirement.

“Those of you unfamiliar with Joel Bitonio, he’s been one of the great guards in the NFL over the course of the past decade, decade-and-a-half,” Lombardi said in a March 29 video on his YouTube channel. “He has been with the Cleveland Browns for all of that time. His first season in the NFL was 2014… Kyle Shanahan was the offensive coordinator of the Browns in 2014.”

Bitonio, who turns 34 in 2026, has defied expectations with his durability and consistent performance. In the 2025 season, he logged 1,081 offensive snaps and posted a solid 70.7 overall PFF grade, ranking 23rd among 81 qualifying offensive guards. His pass-protection grade of 75.7 was particularly impressive (8th at the position), while his run-blocking grade came in at 64.4. He allowed just 31 total pressures, including two sacks and one hit, and was penalized only once all year.

Even at an age when many linemen begin to decline, Bitonio continues to play high-level football. Lombardi highlighted the appeal of pairing him with the still-dominant left tackle Trent Williams, potentially creating a formidable left side of the offensive line for the 49ers’ offense.

49ers Intensify Talks with Trent Williams

The potential interest in Bitonio comes amid ongoing efforts to stabilize the offensive line, particularly around Williams. On March 29, Lombardi reported that 49ers general manager John Lynch indicated contract discussions with the veteran tackle have “intensified” over the past week. Lynch expressed optimism, stating the team feels they are “on the precipice of something good.”

In 2025, Williams played 996 snaps and earned an elite 91.5 overall PFF grade (3rd among all offensive tackles). His run-blocking grade was an outstanding 92.8, though his pass-blocking grade was 79.9. He allowed 32 total pressures, including four sacks and eight hits, while committing four penalties.

Richard Sherman Offers Blunt Take on the Situation

Former 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman recently addressed the delicate contract dynamics surrounding Williams on the March 26 episode of “The Richard Sherman Podcast.” Sherman suggested the team’s caution stems not from frustration with Williams himself, but from a broader desire to avoid accumulating more dead money.

“I think they’ve gotten frustrated, not with Trent Williams, but just with the dead‑money situation that they’ve run into year after year,” Sherman said. He pointed to past contracts involving players like Javon Hargrave and Deebo Samuel as examples of situations the front office is now trying to move away from.

“They’re trying to get away from that. I don’t think they want to throw more dead money into the future. I think they’re trying to take their licks now… but I obviously don’t see them getting rid of Trent Williams.”

A Strategic Veteran Fit?

If Bitonio opts to return for a 13th NFL season rather than retire, he could represent a cost-effective, experienced upgrade at guard with immediate familiarity in Kyle Shanahan’s scheme—dating back to their time together in Cleveland in 2014. His proven reliability in pass protection would complement Williams’ dominance and help protect the quarterback while opening lanes in the run game.

The 49ers’ front office, led by Lynch and Shanahan, has demonstrated a willingness to add proven veterans who can contribute right away. Whether Bitonio becomes the next addition remains to be seen, but Lombardi’s comments have certainly sparked excitement among the fanbase.

As the offseason progresses and free agency continues, all eyes will be on San Francisco’s moves along the offensive line. At 34, Joel Bitonio may be proving once again that age is just a number—and the 49ers could be ready to bet on a player still defying Father Time.