San Francisco 49ers still in play to address long-term need in draft despite bringing back key veteran

The case can be made that the San Francisco 49ers' Super Bowl 58 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs turned on an injury to right guard Jon Feliciano.

With Feliciano out of the lineup, a key protection error from replacement Spencer Burford on third down from the Kansas City nine-yard line in overtime left the 49ers to settle for a field goal, with the Chiefs subsequently answering with the game-winning touchdown

Feliciano being of such importance was not something anybody envisaged when he signed on a one-year deal last offseason, and the 49ers have recognized his value by bringing him back for 2024.

Per NFL Network's Peter Schrager, Feliciano has agreed a one-year deal to return to the Niners.

Feliciano filled in at both left and right guard during the second half of last season, proving a dependable presence amid injuries to both Burford and left guard Aaron Banks. He started four of the final five games at right guard before resting in Week 18 after the Niners secured the one seed in the NFC playoffs. Feliciano started every game in the postseason.

Though he was an undisputed starter down the stretch, Feliciano is not guaranteed to operate in that role in 2024 and his return does not prohibit the 49ers from taking a guard in next month's draft.

Versatile Duke tackle Graham Barton, tabbed to move inside at the next level, is a name frequently connected to the Niners, while UConn's Christian Haynes would be an excellent fit at right guard on day two.

Feliciano's return is as much about his ability to play all three spots on the interior of the offensive line as it is about his performances last season.

Still, with Feliciano finishing the year as Pro Football Focus' fourth-ranked run-blocking guard and the top-ranked zone-blocking guard in the NFL, the 49ers won't be averse to the prospect of him starting at right guard in 2024 and giving him the chance to complete some unfinished business.