49ers training camp: 10 returning veterans on the hot seat

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CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 04: Quinton Dial #92 of the San Francisco 49ers stands on the sidelines in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 4, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Defensive Tackle Quinton Dial

Just like Ronald Blair, defensive tackle Quinton Dial doesn’t have the benefit of a smooth road to a starting job.

San Francisco’s defensive line is crowded. Dial, while more than serviceable, could easily be an expendable piece. And as our friend Al Sacco over at 49ers Webzone pointed out, the 27-year-old veteran is making a great deal of money for a backup lineman:

One potential trade candidate for #49ers is DL Quinton Dial. He's on the books for $3.7 mill in '18 & $4.6 in '19. Lot of money for a backup
— Al Sacco (@AlSacco49) May 19, 2017

Dial isn’t going to be a starter this season, barring injury. But that doesn’t mean he lacks value.

Should the 49ers elect to keep him around, Dial winds up being a primary rotational player capable of playing all four D-line positions if need be.

That’s a good thing to have, but Dial is going to have to continue proving he’s the best option out of the Niners’ remaining reserves.