The San Francisco 49ers made a significant roster move today, announcing that they have signed offensive lineman Charlie Heck to a one-year deal. This move comes as the team seeks to strengthen their offensive line depth ahead of the latter part of the season. To make room for Heck on the active roster, the 49ers placed offensive lineman Jaylon Moore on the Injured Reserve List, signaling that Moore will be sidelined for the foreseeable future due to injury. This change highlights the 49ers’ strategic focus on ensuring they have solid backup options and versatility along their offensive front as they continue their playoff push.

Charlie Heck, a towering presence at 6-8 and weighing in at 311 pounds, was originally drafted by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft (126th overall). Over the course of his five-year career, Heck has accumulated extensive experience, appearing in 48 games and starting 21 of them for the Texans from 2020 to 2023. His time in Houston gave him valuable exposure to both regular-season games and postseason action, as he participated in two playoff games with the Texans during the 2023 season. In 2024, after being waived by the Texans, Heck signed with the Arizona Cardinals and was added to their practice squad on November 19, 2024. While he was primarily with Arizona’s practice squad, his previous experience with a high-caliber franchise such as the Texans will provide much-needed leadership and depth to the 49ers’ offensive line.

Heck’s journey to the NFL began at the University of North Carolina, where he played from 2016 to 2019. Over the course of his college career, he became a staple on the Tar Heels’ offensive line, appearing in 43 games and earning Second-Team All-ACC honors during his senior season in 2019. His combination of size, athleticism, and technical ability made him an enticing prospect for the NFL, and his subsequent rise in the professional ranks has only solidified his reputation as a reliable offensive lineman capable of contributing at a high level.

Now 28 years old and hailing from Evanston, Illinois, Heck brings a wealth of experience and maturity to the 49ers’ locker room. Although he may not immediately become a starting fixture on the team’s offensive line, his versatile skill set allows him to play in multiple positions and provide valuable depth. With the 49ers’ ongoing quest for stability and performance in their offensive line, adding a player of Heck’s caliber is a wise move. Heck has been around the league long enough to know what it takes to succeed, and his size and experience will be key assets to the 49ers’ offensive line rotation.

In contrast, Jaylon Moore, who stands at 6