49ers Reportedly Eyeing All-Pro Guard from Browns

Veteran lineman Joel Bitonio could be a target for the 49ers to bolster their offensive line.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:49pm by Ben Kaplan

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the overlapping planes and angles of a football offensive line, rendered in a cubist style using shades of navy, gold, and crimson.A cubist interpretation of the 49ers' offensive line, hinting at the team's potential interest in veteran guard Joel Bitonio.San Francisco Today

According to 49ers reporter David Lombardi, the San Francisco 49ers could be interested in signing veteran guard Joel Bitonio, who has spent his entire 9-year career with the Cleveland Browns. Bitonio, a 3-time All-Pro, would provide valuable experience and talent to the 49ers' offensive line as they look to build around young quarterback Brock Purdy.

Why it matters

The 49ers have dealt with numerous injuries on their offensive line in recent seasons, so adding an elite veteran like Bitonio could help solidify their front five and provide better protection for Purdy. Bitonio's familiarity with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, who was the Browns' offensive coordinator in 2014, could also ease his transition to San Francisco.

The details

Bitonio, who turns 34 this year, has been one of the NFL's top guards over the past decade, making the Pro Bowl three times and earning First-Team All-Pro honors in 2020. He has started 128 games for the Browns since being drafted in the 2nd round in 2014. The 49ers, who already have an elite left tackle in Trent Williams, could look to pair Bitonio with Williams to create a dominant left side of the offensive line.

  • Bitonio was drafted by the Browns in 2014, the same year Kyle Shanahan was the team's offensive coordinator.
  • Bitonio has spent his entire 9-year career with the Browns so far.

The players

Joel Bitonio

A 3-time Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro guard who has spent his entire 9-year NFL career with the Cleveland Browns.

Kyle Shanahan

The current head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, who was the offensive coordinator for the Browns in 2014 when they drafted Bitonio.

Brock Purdy

The 49ers' young starting quarterback, who could benefit from improved offensive line play if the team signs Bitonio.

Trent Williams

The 49ers' elite left tackle, who could form a dominant left side of the offensive line with Bitonio.

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What they’re saying

“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. 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...”

— David Lombardi, 49ers Reporter

“Joel Bitonio is a potential target if he doesn't retire. He's at age 34, but he has still been playing really good football. And if you want to talk about building a dominant left side of the offensive line, well, Trent Williams is still a dominant player.”

— David Lombardi, 49ers Reporter

What’s next

If the 49ers are able to sign Bitonio, it would solidify their offensive line and provide better protection for young quarterback Brock Purdy. The team will need to determine if Bitonio is interested in joining them and if he plans to continue playing at 34 years old.

The takeaway

The 49ers are always looking to improve their roster, and adding a veteran All-Pro like Joel Bitonio to their offensive line could be a savvy move. Bitonio's familiarity with head coach Kyle Shanahan and his continued high level of play make him an enticing target, as the 49ers aim to build around their young QB Brock Purdy.