2018 NFL free agency: Predicting which players the 49ers re-sign or let walk
By Peter Panacy
Offensive Linemen Garry Gilliam and Brandon Fusco
Like cornerback and with the pass rush, the offensive line probably needs some offseason attention. Both starting-caliber players and depth are both needed.
The 49ers attempted to address this by inking 2017 free agents Garry Gilliam and Brandon Fusco. One of them, Fusco, worked out. Gilliam did not.
Fusco finished the year starting all 16 games and posting a more-than-decent 76.0 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus, which ranked 21st among all qualifying offensive guards.
The Niners could look to either free agency, the NFL Draft or on-roster options in 2018, namely third-year guard Joshua Garnett, who missed 2017 with a knee injury. An upgrade likely pushes Fusco out of a starting job, but not off of re-sign considerations altogether.
In addition to the interior spots, a swing tackle would also be desirable for San Francisco this offseason.
Gilliam’s speed seemed to make him a natural fit in Kyle Shanahan’s outside-zone scheme. The problem was, though, Gilliam had no luck or skill in pass protection during training camp and the preseason. A season-ending injury limited Gilliam to just 38 total snaps, so it’s clear he probably doesn’t fit into the team’s 2018 plans.
Prediction: The 49ers bring back Brandon Fusco on a two-year deal, while letting Garry Gilliam find employment elsewhere.