49ers 2020 NFL free agency tracker: Latest moves, rumors and updates
By Peter Panacy
49ers Retain Ben Garland on a One-Year Deal
San Francisco’s offensive line depth was tested to the max in 2019, and one of the injuries the team needed to overcome was a season-ending knee injury to center Weston Richburg.
In his place, the Niners inserted backup lineman Ben Garland, whom they brought aboard on a one-year deal last offseason. Garland had experience working with Kyle Shanahan with the Atlanta Falcons. And while Richburg was rehabbing injuries suffered in 2018 last training camp, Garland was the primary first-team beneficiary.
The 49ers are bringing Garland back now, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport:
The #49ers are re-signing center Ben Garland on a 1-year deal worth $2.25M, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2020
Garland had some snapping issues, and his 59.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus doesn’t suggest he’s any sort of long-term replacement for Richburg.
Especially considering Garland will turn 32 years old this spring.
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Still, for someone who had to start three regular-season games and was the regular starter at center during San Francisco’s playoff run, it makes sense the 49ers want to maintain some continuity for the time being.