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San Francisco 49ers: An Early Look at the Team’s 2017 Free Agents

By Peter Panacy

Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert looks over the defense against the St. Louis Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert looks over the defense against the St. Louis Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Erik Pears (71) at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Erik Pears (71) at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Tackle/Guard Erik Pears

Veteran offensive lineman Erik Pears may be the biggest name carrying over from 2015 that 49ers fans don’t want to see on the field this season.

After all, Pears finished last year’s campaign with a minus-30.7 overall PFF grade and was responsible for 10 sacks and 37 quarterback pressures.

At 33 years old, Pears isn’t anything close to a long-term option. And he wasn’t even when the Niners signed him in advance of 2015. Remember, he was supposed to be a swing tackle to back up then-projected starters Joe Staley and Anthony Davis. But Davis retired, and Pears was thrust into a starting role.

OK, so those results weren’t pretty. And the general hope is second-year pro Trent Brown — or even rookies Fahn Cooper or John Theus — earn the starting nod this season.

For what it’s worth, Pears is still getting first-team reps during the 49ers OTA sessions:

Pears should be on the roster in 2016. His ability to play both tackle positions, as well as inside at guard, make him a more valuable commodity than others.

Beyond that, though, Pears shouldn’t expect any sort of extension from San Francisco.

Next: Unrestricted Free Agents -- Blaine Gabbert