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San Francisco 49ers: 10 Free Agents to Consider Post Franchise-Tag Deadline

By Peter Panacy

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 11, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals guard Kevin Zeitler (68) runs on the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated Seattle 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals guard Kevin Zeitler (68) runs on the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated Seattle 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Offensive Guard Kevin Zeitler

Unless you’re sold on Zane Beadles as a lock to secure the left guard position in 2017, you probably should hope for the 49ers making some moves along the offensive line this offseason.

Enter Cincinnati Bengals guard Kevin Zeitler.

Zeitler, 27 years old in March, is another one of those players entering the prime of his career. And Pro Football Focus had him graded with an 87.1 overall mark and solid in both run and pass protection.

This grade was seventh best too. In comparison, Beadles’ 2016 PFF grade was a lowly 40.2. Do the math.

True, the 49ers probably won’t be giving up on right guard, and now second-year pro, Joshua Garnett just yet. But making a substantial upgrade at this position would go a long way in helping a Niners O-line, per Football Outsiders, ranked 30th and 32nd in pass protection and run blocking, respectively, last year.