49ers: Making the call on San Francisco's free agents in 2018

Re-sign or let walk: Making the call on 49ers’ free agents in 2018

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 24: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 04: Daniel Kilgore #67 of the San Francisco 49ers walks toward the locker room at the conclusion of the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 4, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Bears defeat the San Francisco 49ers 26-6. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Center Daniel Kilgore

Veteran center Daniel Kilgore managed to beat out 2016 Pro Bowler Jeremy Zuttah for starting duties this year, eventually resulting in Zuttah’s release.

OK, fine, but Kilgore’s 2017 campaign hasn’t been pretty.

According to Pro Football Focus, Kilgore is ranked No. 33 out of 36 qualifying centers after six weeks — a pretty bad accolade, considering he was one of the better achievers along San Francisco’s offensive line in 2016.

Centers are of extreme importance for head coach Kyle Shanahan, as one could see with the Atlanta Falcons’ Alex Mack when Shanahan was offensive coordinator there.

The Niners might not have the luxury of finding a player like Mack this offseason. But based off Kilgore’s lowly contributions this season, it’s likely an upgrade is pending.

Prediction: Let walk