Williams canโt be expected to carry the line forever, so San Francisco is eyeing another reliable veteran blocker to pair with him and keep Purdy upright and efficient.
NBC Sports Bay Areaโs Bonta Hill has urged the 49ers to pursue center Tyler Linderbaum, who will test the open market in mid-March, arguing the team should โdo whatever they need to do to signโ him.
PFFโs Mason Cameron also weighed in, suggesting Linderbaum could be the ideal fit for the 49ers, while noting the Ravensโ cost concerns that could push him into free agency. He also highlighted Seattle as a potential destination for an interior upgrade given the Seahawksโ cap space and emphasis on the running game.
Former 49ers quarterback Steve Young added to the critique, emphasizing that the offensive line must be Top 10 to maximize Purdyโs potential, ideally returning to the elite level the team enjoyed in 2019 with a dominant front.
Beyond protection, the 49ers must diversify Purdyโs supporting cast. Christian McCaffrey was a central option, registering 311 carries for 1,202 yards and 17 touchdowns in 17 games this season, but Young cautioned against turning the offense into a one-man show and urged more balanced weaponry.
With the open market approaching in mid-March and cap considerations in play, the 49ers will weigh the potential pursuit of Linderbaum against other interior-O-line options while also prioritizing weapons for Purdy and sustenance for a productive running game.
