The San Francisco 49ers are already making strategic moves this offseason, starting with securing offensive lineman Nick Zakelj on a one-year extension. Zakelj, a sixth-round pick back in 2022, has had limited starting opportunities-just two games in his four-year tenure with the team. Despite spending most of last season on the practice squad and appearing in only three games, Zakelj’s versatility as both a center and guard makes him a valuable asset.
With the potential for a starting role next season, Zakelj's future with the team looks promising. The 49ers face decisions on Ben Bartch and Spencer Burford, both of whom played at left guard last season and are entering unrestricted free agency. Bartch's season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just six games, which might make the 49ers hesitant to offer an extension given his history of health issues.
Burford, on the other hand, had one of his stronger seasons, but his overall inconsistency since being drafted in 2022 leaves his future with the team uncertain. The 49ers have a track record of being cost-conscious with their offensive line, so Zakelj could very well find himself competing for the left guard spot.
Even if the team decides to bring back Burford or Bartch, Zakelj's chance to compete for a starting position is very much alive. While it might seem ambitious to predict Zakelj as a starter in 2026 given his limited playtime last year, the 49ers’ faith in offensive line coach Chris Foerster to develop lesser-known talent could make Zakelj's extension a pivotal move. Keep an eye on this development-it might just be more impactful than it seems at first glance.