The San Francisco 49ers continue to address the uncertain state of their offensive line, adding veteran depth with the signing of former Miami Dolphins guard Kion Smith to a one-year contract.
The move comes as the team navigates training camp while dealing with injuries that have thinned the ranks along the offensive front.
The 6-foot-5 Smith brings some experience to a position group that has faced questions about its resilience. Over his time with the Dolphins, he appeared in 23 games and made two starts.
Both of those starts came during the 2025 season after veteran James Daniels went down in the opener. Smith stepped in at right guard but was later replaced by Cole Strange after a series of uneven performances. Pro Football Focus graded him at a below-average 34.0 for that year, reflecting the challenges he faced in consistent play.
The 49ers waived wide receiver Colton Dowell to clear a roster spot for the new arrival. Smith’s arrival offers the coaching staff another body to evaluate as they sort through competition and potential absences.
San Francisco’s offensive line has been described as injury-riddled this summer, making depth a practical priority rather than a luxury. A player with Smith’s background, even one who bounced between the practice squad and active roster in Miami, gives the 49ers another option as they prepare for the preseason and beyond.
Miami’s new regime released Smith on June 15 after deciding it wanted a different look at several players inherited from the previous front office.
The Dolphins had hoped for more contribution from him over the years, but evaluations during organized team activities this spring did not convince the new staff to keep him. That decision now benefits San Francisco, which can assess whether Smith can carve out a role in a more competitive environment.
For the 49ers, the signing fits a familiar pattern of adding experienced depth without committing significant resources. A one-year deal allows the team to evaluate Smith in camp and the preseason without long-term risk.
If he can show improved consistency and reliability in pass protection and run blocking, he could help stabilize the unit during stretches when starters are unavailable. If not, the roster remains fluid enough to make further adjustments.
As training camp progresses, the focus remains on how the offensive line holds up under the physical demands of practice and early games. Adding Smith represents a low-cost effort to strengthen that group and give the coaching staff more flexibility as the 2026 season approaches.
Whether he ultimately sticks on the final roster will depend on his performance in the weeks ahead, but the opportunity itself underscores the 49ers’ ongoing attention to trench depth.
