Maybe a better question to pose would be who should return in 2025.
The 49ers offensive line is a hot-button topic for fans. Trent Williams held out but returned, and the 49ers ran back the line of Aaron Banks, Jake Brendel, and Colton McKivitz while starting rookie Dominick Puni at right guard. Many fans point to the offensive line’s failings in the biggest moments, with the blame split between the talent across the line and the team’s philosophy on building the offensive line.
How did the 49ers offensive line perform in 2024?
LT Trent Williams – 10 games, 17 pressures allowed, 13 hurries, 3 QB hits, one sack allowed, 381 pass blocking snaps. 84.5 pass-blocking grade, 81.4 run-blocking grade, 85.6 offensive grade.
Williams’s season was plagued by an injury and personal tragedy. Still, the future Hall of Famer was as good as usual in 2024. In true pass sets (no screens or play action), Williams allowed nine pressures, eight hurries, and one sack. The question is less about how much Williams has left in the tank and more about whether he will continue his career. The 49ers must look at the position’s future, regardless of Williams’ choice to continue playing.
LG Aaron Banks – 13 games, 25 pressures, 20 hurries, 4 QB hits, one sack allowed, 471 pass-blocking snaps. 60.5 pass-blocking grade, 68.9 run-blocking grade, 65.4 offensive grade.
Banks will hit free agency following an up-and-down season at left guard. Unfortunately, his 49ers career will likely end with a season-ending injury. Banks will likely be rewarded in free agency, leaving the 49ers with a decision about replacing a starter with in-house candidates (Ben Bartch, Nick Zakelj, Spencer Burford), the NFL draft, or free agency.
C Jake Brendel – 17 games, 26 pressures, 22 hurries, 3 QB hits, one sack allowed, 656 pass-blocking snaps. 55.1 pass-blocking grade, 71.6 run-blocking grade, 65.0 offensive grade.
Brendel struggled in pass protection. Through 17 games, Brendel finished 18th in the NFL with a 55.1 pass-blocking grade. Brendel’s pass-blocking grade drops in true pass sets with a 40.1 pass-blocking grade. Offensive line coach has praised Brendel during the season, but the 49ers should look to upgrade the position this offseason.
RG Dominick Puni – 17 games, 35 pressures, 28 hurries, 6 QB hits, three sacks allowed, 656 pass-blocking snaps. 68.9 pass-blocking grade, 81.5 run-blocking grade, 80.5 offensive grade.
Puni played all 17 games and just about every snap in 2024 while returning great value as a third-round pick for the 49ers. Down the stretch, Puni hit the “rookie wall,” but it certainly feels like a home run pick with Puni being a long-time starter for the 49ers. The future is bright for the former Kansas offensive lineman.
RT Colton McKivitz – 17 games, 36 pressures, 28 hurries, 6 QB hits, two sacks allowed, 645 pass-blocking snaps. 72.8 pass-blocking grade, 68.6 run-blocking grade, 72.2 offensive grade.
McKivitz led the team in pressures allowed but finished second on the 49ers offensive line with a 72.8 pass-blocking grade. In 310 true-pass sets, McKivitz finished with a 68.2 offensive grade. The team will likely consider an upgrade at the position, but based on the right tackle’s salary and the team’s investment, McKivitz returned some value.