"Having started 27 games in four NFL seasons, Jonathan brings great experience to the interior of our offensive line," said general manager John Lynch via a statement issued by the team. "We look forward to him competing for a starting job at guard, while also bringing a veteran presence to our locker room. Jonathan is a welcome addition to our team."
The Arizona Cardinals made Cooper (6-2, 308) the seventh-overall draft pick out of North Carolina in 2013. As Lynch mentioned, in four NFL seasons, Cooper started 27 of his 42 game appearances, which includes 13 starts at left guard for the Dallas Cowboys in 2017.
Copper sustained a knee injury in Dallas' final game of the season last year that required MCL surgery in January, according to a report by ESPN. He was expected to be ready to participate in an NFL team's offseason program, which begins in mid-April.
Cooper, 28, started a school-record 48 games during his four-year collegiate career with North Carolina. He was named First-Team All-ACC and First-Team All-American in 2012. Cooper was awarded the 2012 Jacobs Blocking Trophy, which goes to the best offensive lineman in the ACC.
The addition of Cooper follows the free agent signing of center Weston Richburg to a five-year deal. The interior of the offensive line was a weakness for the team in 2017. Last year's starting center, Daniel Kilgore, was traded to the Miami Dolphins following the addition of Richburg.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Will the 49ers move on from Brock Purdy, Kyle Shanahan? One NFL insider believes they will not
"The season is lost, but the 49ers are still building around coach and QB." Those are the words of The Athletic's Dianna Russini in her latest NFL column, in which she writes that despite the San Francisco 49ers horrid season, the team is sticking to its plan of committing to... -
49ers mailbag: What do the 49ers have left in the tank for the last four games? Will SF bring back Robert Saleh? Can Brock Purdy beat good teams?
It's always a big week when the San Francisco 49ers play the Los Angeles Rams. In 2021, the rivalry became even bigger when the 49ers had to win in the season's final week, in Los Angeles, to make it into the playoffs. On Thursday night, the 49ers must win again to keep their... -
49ers vs. Rams injury updates: Ji'Ayir Brown questionable to return
The San Francisco 49ers entered Thursday night's NFC West showdown against the Los Angeles Rams without key players, most notably left tackle Trent Williams, who is sidelined for the fourth straight game with an ankle injury. On defense, standout rookie safety Malik Mustapha... -
49ers practice and media schedule: Preparing for the Week 16 matchup vs. Dolphins
The San Francisco 49ers will hold four full practices this week as they prepare for their Week 16 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen, offensive line/run game coordinator Chris Foerster, and quarterback Brock Purdy...