On Monday, the San Francisco 49ers made a move to bolster their offensive line. They acquired guard Jarrett Patterson from the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2027 seventh-round pick.
The trade is an interesting buy-low move, as Patterson's PFF grades don't exactly pop off the page. However, the Texans' O-line has notoriously been one of the worst units in the league in recent memory. The hope is that he will find more production amongst a better supporting cast. Hypotheticals aside, Patterson brings something to the table that the 49ers didn't already have, and it might save the 49ers' offense if things don't go as planned.
Though Patterson is technically listed as a guard, he has significant experience at center. Kyle Shanahan said as much when discussing the lineman's future role:
We love that he has some flex at center and guard... It's still fluid in all our positions [on the O-line], so I want to see where he fits in the group.
49ers may have snagged the perfect last-minute trade piece
As far as proactivity goes, the Niners have undoubtedly procrastinated on solving their O-line issues. They knew the unit had holes, yet they elected to wait until the last minute to fill them. Patterson's versatility could bail them out.
In his presser, Shanahan discussed how ambiguous the offensive line situation is. Patterson's flexibility is something every O-line unit needs, especially when roles still aren't solidified two weeks before the season.
With so little time to learn Shanahan's complex schemes, Patterson will need to be fluid in where he fits into the unit. It appears he is ready to do just that.
His ability to play in multiple spots also protects against any future injuries the 49ers might, and probably will, have. A healthy O-line is hard to come by these days, as teams are always maneuvering around at least an injury or two in the trenches. Patterson's presence is a multi-purpose insurance policy, as he can fill in for many injured linemen.
Jarrett Patterson is a low-risk, high-reward acquisition
In terms of value, Patterson is a homerun asset. He comes to a team that has endured suspect guard play, and there is a legitimate possibility that the former Texan could win a starting job within a few weeks.
Even if he winds up a backup, his versatility will allow him to provide value up and down the offensive line.
If he fails at all of the above, the 49ers will barely feel the consequences. The seventh-round cost to acquire him was minimal, and GM John Lynch will still have his most valuable assets in next year's draft to play around with.
While the trade didn't make any front pages, the benefit cannot be underestimated. It's exactly the kind of late-August move that can quietly propel a team through the season and into the playoffs.
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