Willis is expected to battle second-year lineman Connor Colby and veteran Robert Jones for the starting role, which stands as the lone unsettled spot along an otherwise stable offensive front following Trent Williams' contract extension.
Matt Okada of NFL.com has another name to throw into the mix, one with 213 games of starting experience: Kevin Zeitler.
"The 49ers won seven of their last nine games in 2025, including the playoffs," Okada wrote. "The only two losses: against Seattle in Week 18 and against Seattle in the Divisional Round. You know, that 41-6 shellacking in which the 'Hawks pressured Brock Purdy on 39.4 percent of his dropbacks.
"This offseason, San Francisco lost starting guard Spencer Burford in free agency, so an upgrade on the interior feels important. Zeitler, a 14-year veteran, earned a top-15 overall PFF grade among guards in each of the last two seasons and is the only still-available guard from Rosenthal's Top 101."
Zeitler's recent production supports the case. He posted an 86.5 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024 with the Detroit Lions, followed by a 74.5 mark with the Tennessee Titans in 2025, allowing just 16 total pressures last season.
Durability has also been a hallmark of his career. He has started at least 15 games in each of the past 11 seasons and played 96 percent or more of offensive snaps in 10 of those campaigns.
"At 36 years old, Zeitler is likely headed for another one-year contract, but the Niners are contenders with a need -- and $44.9 million in cap space -- so it makes a lot of sense," Okada added. "Unless they're comfortable rocking with Dominick Puni and Connor Colby as their starters, Zeitler is a no-brainer add."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers QB Brock Purdy becoming an intriguing fantasy football option
There is still plenty of debate over where San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy ranks among the NFL's elite signal-callers. His omission from ESPN's recent top-10 quarterback rankings only intensified those discussions. While Purdy isn't expected to be one of the first... -
49ers' De'Zhaun Stribling named Offensive Rookie of the Year sleeper
The San Francisco 49ers used their top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft—No. 33 overall—on wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, an intriguing playmaker out of Ole Miss who could quickly earn a role in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. Of course, Stribling will have to climb the... -
49ers CB Upton Stout named potential difference-maker on defense
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Upton Stout, who primarily played nickel as a rookie, flashed significant upside during his 2025 campaign and appears poised to make an even bigger impact this season. "He's a great listener," defensive coordinator Raheem Morris said in June.... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan labeled 'best in the business' by NFC West rival coach
The San Francisco 49ers opened last season with a 17-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1. The NFC West rivals didn't meet again until the regular-season finale, when first place in the division and home-field advantage were on the line. This time, the Seahawks went...