The Bears have a left guard that could make sense for the 49ers
The 49ers’ offensive line is middle-of-the-road collectively, full stop. The discourse around the line has gone overboard. It’s not elite, but it’s nowhere near the bottom of the league. Trent Williams is still the best left tackle in football. Dominick Puni has proven his worth as a starter. Colton McKivitz is serviceable, especially considering his low-cost contract. Yes, Jake Brendel was poor during the season. That can’t be argued. But what about left guard?
Aaron Banks is set for free agency and, from all indications, will depart. Banks had his ups and downs in 2024. Spencer Burford, Ben Bartch, and Nick Zakelj filled in admirably. Bartch, in particular, was very successful in his limited time, which makes for a fascinating case of Bartch competing for the left guard spot in 2025 at training camp. Burford’s college position was left guard, so returning to the familiar place could be an interesting development.
Could the 49ers look to fill left guard in free agency? A name to monitor is LG Teven Jenkins from Chicago. The 26-year-old has injury issues, but that’s his only real downside. Over his 1,313 pass-blocking snaps in his career, Jenkins has allowed just 11 sacks, 57 pressures, and six QB hits.
Initially, in 2021, Jenkins started at left tackle and struggled, as evidenced by his 54.6 pass-blocking grade. A switch to the interior helped Jenkins as he moved to right guard before landing at left guard in his third season. As a run blocker, Jenkins is versatile as a zone and gap scheme blocker.
Jenkins posted a career-high pass-blocking grade (75.8) and pass-blocking snaps (495) in 2024. In two meetings with the Minnesota Vikings, Jenkins allowed one hurry and one pressure over 96 pass-blocking snaps.
A series of nagging injuries plagued Jenkins’ 2024 campaign, but even still, he managed to produce well on the interior of this Bears’ offensive line. His 75.8 PFF pass-blocking grade stands as a career-high for the 26-year-old guard after he allowed just a 3.8% pressure rate (also a career-high).
The Niners nailed their selection of Dominick Puni in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft but still need to build up their interior. Adding Jenkins to the left side would complement both Puni at the other guard spot and Trent Williams on the outside.
Pro Football Focus ranked Jenkins 25th on their top 100 free agent list. The team could decide to address the position in the draft or hold a competition with the guys they have in the building. Jenkins would be a solution and could hit the ground running as an upgrade on the interior. The 49ers must explore all avenues to improve the offensive line this offseason.
If the team chooses to address center in the draft and see what they have in former Atlanta Falcon center Matt Hennessy, who was poached from their practice squad, then signing Jenkins and allocating money to left guard isn’t the worst idea.