3 options 49ers have to replace Joe Staley if he retires
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers Insert Daniel Brunskill into Starting Lineup
The first option on this list for San Francisco already happened last year, so we know it’s something Kyle Shanahan would consider.
Staley missed all but seven regular-season games last season, which prompted Shanahan to insert two backup tackles, Justin Skule and Daniel Brunskill. Brunskill performed better of the two, eventually seeing time at both tackle spots, as well as serving as a reserve guard for Mike Person during two games.
Brunskill held his own in this role, too, earning a solid 73.0 overall Pro Football Focus grade on the year for his efforts.
Yet going this route does have some drawbacks. For starters, Person is no longer with the 49ers, and one could make the assumption Brunskill is the favorite to land the starting right guard job anyway this season, essentially pushed only by the recent free-agent acquisition, Tom Compton.
If Compton winds up being a quality starter, fine. But there’s still the chance this weakens two positions along the Niners offensive line, not just one.
True, San Francisco could also consider starting Skule or swing tackle Shon Coleman, who missed all of 2019 with a serious ankle injury. But one would likely assume Brunskill the best option out of the three for full-time duties if no other transactions are made.