The 49ers need to address their offensive line this offseason, and Teven Jenkins could be a relatively affordable free-agent option.
The San Francisco 49ers have plenty of glaring needs this offseason, and one of them is addressing the offensive line.
From left to right, All-Pro Trent Williams will turn 37 years old in 2025, guard Aaron Banks is a pending free agent, center Jake Brendel is a weak link and right tackle Colton McKivitz isn't a long-term answer.
Only 2024 rookie right guard Dominick Puni is a cornerstone for this dilapidated group.
The Niners figure to use a chunk of their 2025 NFL Draft capital to address this need, perhaps jumping on a lineman with the No. 11 overall pick.
However, San Francisco might opt to go the free-agent route, thereby saving draft assets for other areas.
And Pro Football Focus suggested one potential target for the 49ers this offseason.
PFF tabs 49ers as 'best landing spot' for Teven Jenkins
Chicago Bears offensive guard Teven Jenkins is hitting the open market this offseason after spending the first four years of his NFL career in the Windy City.
Jenkins, a second-round draftee out of Oklahoma State, has been beset by periodic injuries over his career, but PFF didn't hesitate to point out how 2024 was a personal best for the soon-to-be 27 year old:
"A series of nagging injuries plagued Jenkins’ 2024 campaign, but even still, he managed to produce well on the interior of this Bears’ offensive line. His 75.8 PFF pass-blocking grade stands as a career high for the 26-year-old guard after he allowed just a 3.8% pressure rate (also a career high)."
In looking at best landing spots for offensive free agents, PFF felt the 49ers would be the best fit.
From a plug-and-play perspective, it makes sense. Banks, who landed on season-ending injured reserve with a knee injury, doesn't appear poised to return, leaving a void between Williams and Brendel. Sure, the Niners could theoretically move Puni from right to left, but that would noticeably weaken the right side of the O-line unless further moves are made to upgrade over McKivitz.
Adding Jenkins would lessen the need for San Francisco to hit on multiple rookies in the draft, namely those selected to address the O-line woes.