The San Francisco 49ers face several key decisions this offseason. While some choices have already been made—such as extending quarterback Brock Purdy or parting ways with 2023 Pro Bowler Javon Hargrave—the team still has 24 pending free agents to address. High-priority players like Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga are expected to take precedence, but the offensive line presents a more challenging situation when determining who to retain.
Protecting Purdy should be a top priority, especially after the offensive line allowed 166 pressures and 36 sacks in 2024. According to Pro Football Focus, only four 49ers linemen played at least half of the team’s snaps, with just one (Colton McKivitz) earning a pass-blocking grade above 65. Among those who played at least 20% of snaps, only two received above-average grades. Given these struggles, a revamp of the offensive line could be necessary.
Veteran Trent Williams and standout rookie Dominick Puni are expected to be starters, but with five offensive linemen set to hit free agency, San Francisco must decide who to bring back. One key free agent is former second-round pick Aaron Banks, whose future with the team appears uncertain.
49ers Likely Moving on from Aaron Banks
NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco analyzed San Francisco’s offseason strategy, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the trenches. He reported that Banks is unlikely to return, stating:
“It seems doubtful that the 49ers will keep left guard Aaron Banks, who is about to become an unrestricted free agent. Ben Bartch and Spencer Burford are in-house choices to begin the upcoming campaign.
A second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Banks initially served as a backup to Laken Tomlinson before securing the starting left guard spot in 2022. His best season came in 2023, when he allowed zero sacks across 474 pass-blocking snaps, helping the 49ers reach the Super Bowl. However, he struggled to replicate that success in 2024. Despite posting a career-high 68.9 pass-blocking grade from PFF, Banks’ season was cut short by a Week 16 MCL injury that landed him on Injured Reserve.
Replacement Options and Free Agency
If Banks departs, the 49ers could turn to internal candidates such as Spencer Burford or Ben Bartch. Burford, a former fourth-round pick, started most of the 2022 season at right guard before splitting time in 2023. He transitioned to left guard last offseason and posted the highest PFF grades of his career in 2024.
Bartch presents another option, though his return depends on free agency. If re-signed, he would be the frontrunner for the left guard position in 2025. In three games last season, Bartch earned PFF grades above 70 in both pass and run blocking, ranking among the team’s most reliable linemen.
Financial considerations may also influence the decision. Banks is ranked 73rd on PFF’s top 100 free agents list and is projected to land a three-year, $25.5 million contract with $15 million guaranteed. While not an exorbitant price, it may exceed what the 49ers are willing to spend.
