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

By Peter Panacy

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)
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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OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 28: Tackle Garry Gilliam #79 of the Seattle Seahawks warms up before the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on August 28, 2014 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 28: Tackle Garry Gilliam #79 of the Seattle Seahawks warms up before the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on August 28, 2014 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Offensive Tackle Garry Gilliam

The 26-year-old veteran, Garry Gilliam, has seen just three total snaps this season, so it’s hard to make what the offensive tackle’s future holds beyond 2017.

Well, not exactly impossible.

Gilliam was overworked in training camp and the preseason by average-level pass-rushers, which has been an issue for him since his days with the Seahawks. The Niners brought him aboard because he has good speed — a staple of Kyle Shanahan’s zone-style blocking scheme — which Gilliam’s primary competition, Trent Brown, did not.

But Gilliam couldn’t beat out Brown, and it’s a good thing he didn’t. Brown has been solid. As a swing tackle, though, Gilliam has some merit. Yet how important it is to keep Gilliam around in this role beyond this season isn’t clear.

It’s likely the Niners move on.

Prediction: Let walk