The San Francisco 49ers have acquired veteran offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson from the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2027 seventh-round draft pick. The move aims to address the team's ongoing questions along the interior of their offensive line, particularly at left guard and in securing a reliable backup center.
Patterson, 26, brings 39 career games of experience, including 21 starts, and has played both center and left guard during his time in the NFL. He was a sixth-round pick by the Texans in 2023. The trade is expected to become official once the 49ers finalize their 53-man roster on Sunday.
The acquisition comes as the 49ers have faced uncertainty at multiple interior offensive line positions. The competition for the starting left guard spot had been underwhelming, and the team lost a key player brought in to back up center Jake Brendel to a season-ending concussion during training camp. Brett Toth, who was slated to be the backup center, was among those placed on injured reserve.
Further complicating the situation, the 49ers waived third-string center Jake Nugent and placed another backup interior lineman, Nick Zakelj, on season-ending injured reserve. This series of moves left the team in need of additional depth.
Patterson's primary role is anticipated to be as a backup center. However, his experience at left guard could also provide a solution at that position, where rookie Carver Willis is currently seen as having an advantage over Connor Colby. Coach Kyle Shanahan has previously expressed dissatisfaction with the options at left guard, having released veteran Robert Jones and seen other potential candidates like Austen Pleasants land on injured reserve.
Patterson, listed at 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, was Houston's starting center as a rookie before fracturing his fibula. He made nine starts in 2024 and four starts at left guard in 2025. His transition may be eased by the fact that the Texans' offensive coordinator during his tenure, Bobby Slowik, is now an offensive assistant with the 49ers.
The interior offensive line has been a focal point of adjustments for the 49ers throughout training camp, with significant roster movement occurring on cutdown day. Patterson's arrival provides a seasoned option to solidify the unit as the team prepares for the upcoming season.