49ers extend OL Nick Zakelj, eyeing potential starting role

The San Francisco 49ers have signed offensive lineman Nick Zakelj to a one-year extension, making him their first in-house free agent retained this offseason. A 2022 sixth-round pick, Zakelj appeared in nine games over his first two seasons before a torn biceps injury, then played all 17 games in 2024. In 2025, he was on the practice squad but featured in three games. With positional flexibility at center and guard, Zakelj could compete for a starting left guard role in 2026 as Ben Bartch and Spencer Burford are set for free agency.