5 individuals San Francisco 49ers should have never let get away
By Peter Panacy
No. 5: 49ers Go with Anthony Davis, not Mike Iupati in 2015
In 2013 and 2014, the 49ers boasted one of the better offensive lines in the NFL. But with the wholesale changes that beset San Francisco in 2015, including the mutual “parting of ways” between the franchise and then-head coach Jim Harbaugh, one of the key decisions up front proved to be disastrous.
In 2013, the Niners committed big money to their right tackle, Anthony Davis, eventually eating up more money than could be afforded to be paid to their long-time starting left guard, Mike Iupati.
Iupati would hit free agency in 2015 and wasn’t retained by San Francisco. Instead, he signed on with the Arizona Cardinals and made the Pro Bowl again that season.
Davis subsequently retired that offseason, too, putting the 49ers in quite the bind.
San Francisco moved right guard Alex Boone over to left guard to make up for Iupati’s loss. But that left the right side of the O-line extremely vulnerable.
Niners fans probably would rather forget the right guard/tackle combo of linemen Jordan Devey and Erik Pears.