The San Francisco 49ers canceled mandatory minicamp, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, as a reward for perfect attendance (minus Brandon Aiyuk) during OTAs. Once they return for training camp in late July, the team will hold a left guard competition, with the position considered the weakest on the offensive line. The three main contenders are Connor Colby, Robert Jones, and Carver Willis. Colby was benched in his rookie season after starting six games, while Jones suffered a season-ending broken bone in his neck in training camp with the Dallas Cowboys, and Willis, the fourth-round pick, is switching to the interior after exclusively playing at left and right tackle in college.
The San Francisco 49ers have been linked to a 7x-Pro Bowler
Sep 7, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch watches pregame warmups against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Throughout the offseason, many people have linked Cleveland Browns great Joel Bitonio as a potential left guard option for the 49ers. The 34-year-old seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro is coming off a solid 12th season in which he started every game, accounted for 100% of offensive snaps, and was named a Pro Bowl alternate. Bitonio remained unsigned and had the option to sign with a contender like San Francisco or retire, since Cleveland had rebuilt the offensive line.
The 49ers see a future Hall of Famer retire after being linked
Feb 1, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio (75) during AFC Practice for the Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
On X, the Browns announced that Joel Bitonio is retiring after 12 seasons in Cleveland. As a result, the 49ers will not be signing the seven-time Pro Bowler after reportedly being linked to San Francisco this offseason. The team could be in play for a free-agent guard; notable players available include Kevin Zeitler, James Daniels, Greg Van Roten, Mekhi Becton, and Alex Cappa.
To Cleveland, From Joel
A farewell to the #DawgPound as @JoelBitonio announces his retirement from the NFL: https://t.co/bKMZcVX4jX pic.twitter.com/MPWX25l2sx
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) June 9, 2026