San Francisco 49ers: Predicting 2018 starting lineup post Jimmy Garoppolo trade
By Peter Panacy
Offensive Line
Center: Evan Smith (Buccaneers)
Left Guard: Andrew Norwell (Panthers)
Left Tackle: Joe Staley
Right Guard: Joshua Garnett
Right Tackle: Trent Brown
The 49ers probably aren’t quite ready to close the book on second-year pro Joshua Garnett (knee) after missing this season and landing on injured reserve. But that doesn’t mean San Francisco should avoid making some key acquisitions to address its offensive line this offseason.
Two moves in free agency could do the trick.
While targeting New York Giants center Weston Richburg would be ideal, it doesn’t seem likely New York lets him walk this offseason. At 31 years old, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive lineman Evan Smith isn’t a long-term option. But he’s still having a solid year, posting a 75.6 overall Pro Football Focus grade, and would be a clear upgrade over the pending free agent, Daniel Kilgore.
Interior O-line fixes will be the main focal point for general manager John Lynch, and another relatively easy pickup would be Andrew Norwell of the Carolina Panthers.
The Panthers extended fellow guard Trai Turner earlier this year, which will make things much tougher to re-sign Norwell.
Norwell, a four-year starter, has never had a PFF season grade below 82.2.