49ers Eye Joel Bitonio as Left Guard Stopgap Despite Regression Signs

The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly considering Cleveland Browns free agent guard Joel Bitonio as a potential stopgap solution at left guard, a position of significant need. Bitonio, who previously played under Kyle Shanahan, has been with the Browns for 12 seasons and has missed only two games since 2017. While his best playing days are behind him, with signs of regression in pressures and hurries allowed since 2023, he still offers an upgrade over the 49ers' 2025 left guard performance. At 35, signing Bitonio would provide the 49ers 1-2 years to find a long-term solution, though it creates an aging left side with Trent Williams.