NFC rival gives 49ers chance to fix long-term problem area

The 49ers have been active early in free agency, using the open market to address two problem areas: filling a gap at wide receiver with the signing of veteran Mike Evans and acquiring a swing tackle in Vederian Lowe.

There is still much work to be done on both sides of the ball for San Francisco between free agency and the draft.

And they have been presented with an intriguing opportunity to make a key addition at a position that has been a persistent concern for the 49ers, after one of their NFC rivals parted with a veteran mainstay of their offensive line.

The Green Bay Packers decided to release Elgton Jenkins on Monday in a move that frees up nearly $19.5 million in cap space.

Jenkins started nine games for the Packers at center in 2025 before suffering a fractured ankle. While he has the versatility to play across the offensive line, his preferred position is left guard, where the 49ers again have a vacancy.

Indeed, Spencer Burford, who played much of last season at left guard, is expected to sign elsewhere as an unrestricted free agent. Ben Bartch, who also started games at that spot in 2025 but saw his campaign derailed by injury, is a free agent as well.

The Niners could look to bring back Bartch, but with Jenkins on the market, they have a chance to upgrade a position that, for San Francisco, has been an area of continuity and predominantly unconvincing solutions.

Jenkins’ main concern is a spotty injury history, though the 2025 season was the first time he had missed two or more games in a season since he tore his ACL in 2021.

Typically, in recent years, the durability has been there for Jenkins, who brings huge upside in pass protection.

While Jenkins’ move to center was not the success the Packers hoped for, he still only allowed 10 pressures on 310 pass blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus. Only once in the last five seasons (2023) has Jenkins given up 20 or more pressures.

Jenkins’ run blocking has been more inconsistent, and he has generally excelled more as a gap scheme blocker than in the zone scheme that is the foundation of the 49er rushing attack.

Still, the 49ers have implemented gap runs to such an extent in recent years that Jenkins’ aptitude in the respective schemes cannot be considered a significant problem. When looking at the pros and cons, Jenkins’ dependability and positional versatility make any issues in the run game easier to accept.

The chance to have Jenkins play next to Trent Williams — assuming a resolution on his contract is eventually found — on the left side of the O-Line is one the 49ers should be desperate to take. With the prominence the dropback passing game now has in the 49er offense, the importance of solidity in protection on the right and left sides of the line cannot be overstated. For too long, left guard has been a question mark. Jenkins can remove it.