We’re under three weeks away from free agency. The San Francisco 49ers’ list of free agents suggests they’ll need to sign at least one guard in March, with Ben Bartch and Spencer Burford set to hit the open market.
Bartch’s inability to stay healthy led to a revolving door at left guard this past season. The Niners would be wise to address this need in free agency with an established veteran who can stay on the field.
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ESPN’s Matt Bowen put together the best team fits for the top 50 players available this offseason. Bowen linked Steelers free agent guard Isaac Seumalo to the 49ers:
31. Isaac Seumalo, G
Best team fit: San Francisco 49ers
Improving the interior of the offensive line is a must for Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Seumalo can displace defenders in both zone and gap run concepts, plus he would keep the pocket firm in pass pro for quarterback Brock Purdy. The 10-year veteran has the foot quickness to redirect defenders and the body control to wrestle back against power rushers. Seumalo’s 97.3% pass rush win rate with the Steelers this season ranked second among 65 qualifying guards, and his 76.9% run block win rate checked in at fourth.
The 10-year vet plays left guard and is coming off a season the 49ers would have dreamed of at left guard statistically. Seumalo allowed only three sacks on 434 passing snaps with the 8th-lowest blown block rate among all guards.
Unfortunately, Seumalo would come with a lengthy injury history. He missed three games this past season due to triceps and pectoral injuries. He missed time during other games this past season as well. Seumalo missed the first four games of the 2024 season after suffering a pectoral injury during practice in August 2024. He didn’t miss a game in 2022 or 2023, but he played only 12 games from 2020 to 2021.
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Seumalo is undoubtedly a talented player who would fill a need along the 49ers’ offensive line, but the injury history is worrisome—especially the season after your initial starting left guard couldn’t make it through the season healthy.
Seumalo’s market projection is $9.6 million annually, giving him a deal that comes in at around $28.8 million over three seasons.
The left side of the 49ers’ offensive line would be 38, 33, and 34 years old.
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