San Francisco 49ers: 7 Players on the Hot Seat This Offseason

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October 22, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Erik Pears (71) during the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 20-3. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Right Tackle Erik Pears

Has there been a more disappointing 49er this season than Pears? Pears was thrust into the 49ers starting offensive line unit after the sudden retirement of Anthony Davis.

Rather than taking on the challenge of replacing a former Pro-Bowler, Pears took on a huge regression. He was part of the right-side of the offensive line with right guard Jordan Devey that leaked like a sieve, and couldn’t block anyone.

Per Pro Football Focus, Pears has a terrible plus-42.6 grade (from a zero to 100 point scale) and is one of the league-leaders in sacks allowed. With the injury to left guard Alex Boone, Pears was moved to right guard and his grade has gone down further to a plus-39.5.

Pears carries a $2,350,000 cap figure into 2016 which the 49ers should have no interest in paying. Pears was on the hot seat after Week 2 and you can’t carry a woeful right tackle and expect much success by your QB.

The 49ers really need Davis to come out of his retirement and return to the team in 2016. Even if he decides to prolong his retirement, Pears needs to be released or traded.

Next: Antoine Bethea