The 49ers have added experienced depth along the interior of their offensive line. Pat Elflein was signed on Friday, per a team announcement.

Elflein has started all but one of his 65 career games, and players with his level of experience in a first-team role rarely last deep into the summer on the free-agent market. In his case, though, it comes as little surprise he has needed to wait until August to find a new deal. The 30-year-old missed last season with his latest injury troubles, which has marred much of his career.

Beginning his NFL tenure in Minnesota, Elflein avoided significant missed time from 2017-19. In the years since then, however, he has struggled to remain on the field. The former third-rounder played six games with the Jets in 2020 before landing a three-year, $13.5M deal with the Panthers in free agency. Elflein saw time as a starter at both center and left guard in Carolina, but he was only available for 15 games across his two seasons there.

The Panthers released the Ohio State product with one year remaining on his pact, setting up a one-year Cardinals deal last offseason. By August, Elfien found himself on injured reserve, sidelining him for the campaign. Considering his missed time, Friday’s deal will contain little (if any) guaranteed money.

San Francisco has Jake Brendel in place at the center spot. He has served as the team’s full-time starter in the middle for the past two years, and this should continue in 2024. Aaron Banks remains in place at guard on the left while competition between Spencer Burford, Jon Feliciano and Dominick Puni continues for the right guard spot. Elfien will aim to carve out a depth role with the 49ers at either the center or guard positions. In a corresponding move, fellow O-lineman Briason Mays was waived.