San Francisco 49ers: 5 Players Who Should be Cut by Week 1

No. 2, OT Erik Pears

Yes, Erik Pears is the 49ers starter right now and yes, he’s taken most of the first-team reps in minicamp and OTAs so far.

But the 49ers would like someone else to be their starting right tackle come Week 1.

On June 16th, former Ravens’ left tackle Eugene Monroe was released by the team. Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle foreshadowed the move months in advance, when reporting general manager Ozzie Newsome’s stance:

The 49ers immediately showed interest, along with the division rival Seattle Seahawks, according to David Fucillo of ninersnation.com.

Fucillo also noted that he didn’t think the 49ers would sign Monroe saying:

"Yesterday, I wrote that I did not think the 49ers would trade for Monroe, or sign him if he was released. I suppose I should not be surprised the 49ers have reached out, but it would certainly tell us more about their thoughts on Erik Pears and maybe Trenton Brown as their potential right tackle of 2016. Brown got in two starts late last season, but conditioning has remained an issue for him. If he does not arrive to training camp in sufficient shape, we very well could see John Theus or Fahn Cooper (or now apparently maybe Eugene Monroe) emerge ahead of him on the depth chart."

What does this have to do with Pears being cut?

The team does not have faith in him, nor do the fans. Pears was brought in by the 49ers last year because Jim Tomsula wanted him. Tomsula coached Pears in NFL Europe. Pears is a Tomsula guy and Tomsula is no longer with the team.

For better or worse in 2016, Pears shouldn’t be either. Even if the 49ers use an unprepared rookie, or an out of shape tackle out on the field, he will be a better option than Pears, who is old and past his prime. Pears is a has-been.

Next: No. 1, Vance McDonald