Heck will serve as a backup swing-tackle option, playing behind the Buccaneers’ bullying offensive tackle duo; LT Tristan Wirfs and RT Luke Goedeke. Heck flashed pass-protection potential early in his career but has settled into a lucrative journeyman role.

The 49ers desperately need bodies with several of their linemen set to miss the final two weeks of the season. Heck played 30 snaps for the Cardinals as a reserve this year and was active in five games. He was a passable backup with the Texans in their Lost Era of 2020-2022, starting 13 games for David Culley’s crew in 2021.

Heck, who was a fourth-round pick of the Texans in 2020, can on this deal, and started four games for them in 2023. The four-year vet has started 21 of the 41 games he’s appeared in for his career, and has allowed eight sacks on 839 pass blocking snaps for PFF. He’ll likely have a chance to earn a role as one of the team’s backup tackles in camp.