49ers Fail to Address Offensive Line in Free Agency

GM John Lynch's decision to ignore the offensive line could haunt the team again this season.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:23pm by Ben Kaplan

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The San Francisco 49ers had a relatively successful start to 2026 NFL free agency, signing wide receiver Mike Evans and trading for defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa. However, the team's biggest mistake was failing to adequately address its offensive line, a persistent weakness that has plagued the 49ers in recent seasons. Despite the team's recent Super Bowl appearances, their porous offensive line has repeatedly cost them, as it did in their most recent Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs. With star tackle Trent Williams again holding out for a new contract, the 49ers are relying on inconsistent and unproven linemen, raising concerns about quarterback Brock Purdy's protection in the upcoming season.

Why it matters

The 49ers' inability to build a strong offensive line has been a major factor in their recent playoff disappointments, as it has limited the team's offensive production and exposed the quarterback to excessive pressure. Addressing this weakness is crucial for the 49ers to take the next step and win a Super Bowl, especially with their talented roster on both sides of the ball.

The details

Despite signing a few depth players on the offensive line, the 49ers failed to make any significant upgrades to their starting unit. This is particularly concerning given that star tackle Trent Williams is once again holding out for a new contract, a recurring issue that has kept him out of several games over the past few seasons due to injuries. The lack of investment in the offensive line has repeatedly forced quarterback Brock Purdy to operate under constant pressure, leading to sacks, turnovers, and missed opportunities in critical moments, such as their recent Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs.

  • In the 2025 season, Trent Williams missed one game due to injury.
  • In the 2024 season, Trent Williams missed seven games due to injury.
  • In the 2023 season, Trent Williams missed two games due to injury.

The players

Trent Williams

A star offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers who has been a consistent holdout for a new contract, despite missing several games in recent seasons due to injuries.

Brock Purdy

The 49ers' starting quarterback, who has struggled at times due to the team's porous offensive line, leading to sacks, turnovers, and missed opportunities in critical moments.

John Lynch

The general manager of the San Francisco 49ers, who has been criticized for failing to adequately address the team's offensive line issues during free agency.

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What’s next

The 49ers are expected to address the offensive line in the upcoming NFL draft, but fans remain skeptical about the team's commitment to fixing this persistent weakness.

The takeaway

The 49ers' failure to prioritize the offensive line during free agency is a concerning oversight that could once again undermine their Super Bowl aspirations, as it has in the past. The team's reliance on an aging and injury-prone Trent Williams, as well as unproven linemen, raises serious questions about their ability to protect quarterback Brock Purdy and provide him with the time needed to succeed.