Niner Noise
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3 former players 49ers might target in NFL free agency

By Safa Shooshtry

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 10: Aldon Smith #99 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines against the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 10: Aldon Smith #99 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on from the sidelines against the Carolina Panthers at Candlestick Park on November 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Guard Alex Boone #75 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Guard Alex Boone #75 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Guard Alex Boone

Offensive guard Alex Boone was signed by the 49ers as an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State back in 2009. He spent the 2009 season on the practice squad. Then he made it to the active roster in 2010 and was getting valuable reps by 2011.

Finally, in 2012 he became a full-time starter at right guard.

Although he was never a Pro Bowler, Boone was a part of a stellar offensive line that gave Frank Gore multiple 1,000-plus-yard rushing seasons. He also started in two NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl. When his contract was up with the 49ers, he decided to test out free agency in 2016.

Boone would sign with the Minnesota Vikings on a four-year $26.8 million deal. But after just one season with the team, he was released. He then signed with the Arizona Cardinals on a one-year deal in 2017.

Again after one season with Cardinals, he found himself out of football. He hasn’t played since that 2017 season. But as Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported last week, Boone wants to return to football. And per Pelissero, Boone has “already gotten some interest at both the guard or swing tackle.”

The 49ers could use some extra depth on the offensive line, especially on the interior. And he would be a good piece to add. A veteran’s minimum on a one-year deal would make sense in this case. Low risk, but high reward.