Potential 49ers free-agent target retires from NFL

The San Francisco 49ers can cross veteran offensive lineman Joel Bitonio off any potential acquisition list for this offseason. The Cleveland Browns guard officially announced his retirement from the league after 12 seasons.

>While there hasn’t been any reported interest between the 49ers and Bitonio, he was a free agent that some pundits connected to San Francisco to fortify the team’s offensive line heading into 2026. Bitonio, 34, played his entire career in Cleveland and made seven consecutive Pro Bowl teams from 2018 to 2024. He also earned two first-team All-Pro nods during his career.

>At the very least, Bitonio could have been a veteran backstop for the uncertain 49ers left guard position. Right now, 2025 seventh-round pick Connor Colby is slated to start after Spencer Burford and Ben Bartch left in free agency. Colby has one start in six appearances in his lone NFL season.

>It's unclear if Bitonio chose to retire despite suitors or if he wasn't getting the offers he desired to continue playing. Now, the 49ers will have to look elsewhere if they want to add to their guard room. 2026 fourth-round pick Carver Willis or 2022 second-round pick Nick Zakelj are the only other left guard options for San Francisco heading into 2026.

>This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Potential 49ers free-agent target Joel Bitonio retires from NFL