49ers Sign Veteran Guard Robert Jones After Spencer Burford's Departure

Jones brings familiarity with 49ers' offense from his time with Mike McDaniel in Miami

Mar. 24, 2026 at 4:54am by Ben Kaplan

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The San Francisco 49ers have signed veteran guard Robert Jones to bolster their offensive line after the departure of Spencer Burford, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. Jones, who played for the Miami Dolphins and has a connection to 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, is expected to help protect quarterback Brock Purdy and create running lanes for Christian McCaffrey and the receiving corps.

Why it matters

The 49ers' offensive line is a critical component of their success, and the loss of Burford, a key contributor, necessitated finding an experienced replacement. Jones' familiarity with the 49ers' offensive system from his time with McDaniel should help him integrate quickly and provide stability on the line.

The details

Jones, 27, is a versatile guard who has started 30 games in his NFL career, primarily with the Dolphins. He missed the 2022 season due to a neck injury but is now healthy and ready to contribute to the 49ers' offense. His ability to open up running lanes and protect the quarterback will be crucial as the 49ers look to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 season.

  • In 2022, Jones missed the entire season due to a neck injury.
  • Jones signed with the 49ers on March 24, 2026, after Spencer Burford left the team to join the Las Vegas Raiders.

The players

Robert Jones

A 27-year-old veteran guard who has played for the Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys, and now joins the San Francisco 49ers to help shore up their offensive line.

Spencer Burford

A former fourth-round draft pick by the 49ers in 2022, Burford started 30 games for the team and helped them reach the Super Bowl in 2024 before signing with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.

Brock Purdy

The 49ers' starting quarterback, who will benefit from the added protection and running game support that Jones' signing is expected to provide.

Christian McCaffrey

The 49ers' star running back, who will look to build on his impressive 2023 campaign with the help of an improved offensive line.

Mike McDaniel

The 49ers' offensive coordinator, who previously worked with Jones during his time with the Miami Dolphins and is now bringing that familiarity to San Francisco.

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What they’re saying

“Veteran guard Robert Jones is signing with the 49ers, sources tell The Insiders. Jones played in 49 games (30 starts) for the (Miami) Dolphins before signing with Dallas (Cowboys), where he missed last season because of a neck injury. He's healthy now and headed to San Francisco.”

— Tom Pelissero, NFL Network Reporter

What’s next

The 49ers will look to integrate Jones into their offensive line quickly, as he will be expected to contribute immediately to help protect Brock Purdy and open up running lanes for Christian McCaffrey.

The takeaway

The 49ers' signing of veteran guard Robert Jones is a savvy move to address the loss of Spencer Burford and maintain stability on their offensive line. Jones' familiarity with the system and his potential to excel in run blocking and pass protection make him a valuable addition as the 49ers aim to bounce back in the 2024 season.