San Francisco 49ers: 5 players who’ll lose a roster spot after 2020 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Offensive Guard Tom Compton
San Francisco wasn’t exactly active on the free-agent market this offseason, aside from re-signing two of their own, defensive end Arik Armstead and safety Jimmie Ward.
But one of the more notable additions was bringing aboard former New York Jets offensive guard Tom Compton on a one-year, $2.75 million deal to replace Mike Person, who was cut in reaction to the Compton signing.
Compton would have had a long line towards a starting role anyway, particularly with the 49ers eyeing the versatile Daniel Brunskill as a potential starter at guard. Trading for Trent Williams to replace Joe Staley at left tackle ultimately leaves Brunskill in a position to start anyway.
Compton’s spot on the roster became more precarious after the fifth-round NFL Draft selection of West Virginia offensive lineman Colton McKivitz, too, who despite being a collegiate tackle, figures to transition better to guard at the pro level.
McKivitz’s presence, along with other interior options like Ben Garland, Ross Reynolds and Jake Brendel, could prompt San Francisco to stay both younger and cheaper rather than hold onto the 30-year-old Compton’s more expensive contract.
Cutting Compton would save the Niners nearly $2 million in cap space, making him a likely candidate if he doesn’t win the starting job outright.