The San Francisco 49ers could be going about their open competition for right guard the correct way.
Despite training camp not kicking off for over a month, the Niners are already exploring several options: second-year pro Connor Colby, free-agent pickup Robert Jones, rookie Carver Willis and others.
And while finding the best of the bunch from those options might pan out, there's a simpler option still out there waiting in free agency.
Veteran free-agent guard Joel Bitonio.
The 34-year-old seven-time Pro Bowler remains unsigned after spending his entire 12-year career with the Cleveland Browns, and while there's a chance he could opt for retirement instead of extending his exemplary NFL tenure, it's just as reasonable he wants to have a legitimate shot at something that's eluded him for nearly his entire career: getting a Super Bowl ring.
Enter the Niners.
Joel Bitonio is a perfect match for 49ers' glaring left guard question
For the most part, San Francisco has its starters identified on offense, yet left guard remains an open-ended question.
Meanwhile, Bleacher Report highlighted Bitonio as one of the best-remaining free agents on the market, and the final analysis point should grab the 49ers' attention:
Joel Bitonio earned a Pro Bowl nod in seven consecutive years between 2018 and 2024. Although he didn't get that honor last year, the established veteran guard still had a quality season.
According to Pro Football Focus, Bitonio only committed one penalty and allowed just two sacks while on the field for 686 pass-blocking snaps.
If Bitonio doesn't retire, he could be a shoo-in starter for a playoff-contending team that has a significant need at left guard.
"A playoff-contending team that has a significant need at left guard." Sounds like the Niners, right?
This isn't the first time Bitonio has been suggested to San Francisco, which helps reinforce the fact the 49ers have yet to solve their need here. And even if the Niners pivoted from their current competition to signing Bitonio, it wouldn't wholly derail the development of younger players like Colby and/or Willis.
At the very worst, it'll just allow San Francisco more time to see whether or not those two younger options are viable as long-term starters while adding an immediate-impact lineman to the lineup right away.
Now, all that's left is the phone call and contract offer.
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