In a move to strengthen their offensive line depth as they push for a playoff spot, the San Francisco 49ers announced today that they have signed offensive lineman Matt Hennessy to a two-year contract and added offensive lineman Sebastian Gutierrez to their practice squad. To make room on the active roster, the team placed veteran tackle Trent Williams on the Injured Reserve List, a move that highlights their commitment to bolstering their line for the remainder of the season.
Matt Hennessy, a 6-3, 315-pound offensive lineman, was originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, coming off the board at 78th overall. Over the course of his five-year career in the NFL, Hennessy has appeared in 45 games, starting 22 of them, primarily with the Falcons (2020-24). In 2024, Hennessy signed with the Philadelphia Eagles on March 13, but after a brief stint, he was waived by the team on August 27. He later returned to the Falcons, signing to their practice squad on September 24, where he appeared in four games, contributing both on the active roster and in a practice squad role.
A native of Ramsey, New Jersey, the 27-year-old Hennessy had a standout college career at Temple University, where he played for four seasons (2016-19). Over that time, he appeared in 39 games and earned First-Team All-ECAC honors in 2019. Known for his versatility and strong work ethic, Hennessy will look to bring his experience and talent to the 49ers, who are known for their aggressive offensive line play.
Sebastian Gutierrez, standing at 6-6 and weighing in at 310 pounds, has had a more circuitous journey to the NFL. The 26-year-old originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Denver Broncos on May 13, 2022. Since then, he has bounced around the league, spending time on practice squads with multiple teams, including the New England Patriots (2022), Las Vegas Raiders (2022-23), Kansas City Chiefs (2023), and, most recently, the 49ers (2024). Gutierrez also spent time with the Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts in 2024. Despite limited game action, having appeared in only one NFL game with the Raiders, Gutierrez has continued to hone his craft on practice squads, gaining valuable experience along the way.
A native of Pasco, Washington, Gutierrez attended Minot State University from 2016 to 2020, where he played in 40 games. His raw physical talent and development in the NFL’s practice squads make him a strong addition to the 49ers’ practice unit, where he will continue to improve while providing depth for the team.
As for Trent Williams, the 6-5, 320-pound tackle has been a staple on the 49ers’ offensive line this season, starting 10 games. His injury will be a notable loss for the team, but placing him on Injured Reserve opens up a crucial roster spot for the additions of Hennessy and Gutierrez, who will help fortify the line as the 49ers navigate the final stretch of the regular season.
These roster moves are an indication that the 49ers are committed to building a deep and flexible offensive line as they prepare for the playoffs. With Hennessy’s experience as a versatile interior lineman and Gutierrez’s raw potential, the team is positioning itself to be as prepared as possible for any challenges ahead. Fans of the 49ers will certainly be keeping an eye on how these additions contribute to the team’s success in the coming weeks.
