49ers Free-Agent Target No. 1: Offensive Tackle Chris Clark
San Francisco already has its starting tackle tandem in place with Trent Williams and Mike McGlinchey. There’s probably adequate depth here, too, particularly with Justin Skule and possibly the rookie, Colton McKivitz, penciled in as reserves.
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But the 49ers already lost veteran swing tackle Shon Coleman to the COVID-19 opt-out list, as well as long-shot tackle Jake Brendel. Then the Niners watched newly signed offensive lineman Spencer Long retire merely days after being signed.
The Long signing suggests John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan aren’t totally comfortable with their O-line depth, particularly on the outside, meaning it wouldn’t be a shocker to see a veteran brought in to at least compete with Skule and McKivitz for backup duties.
There are some names out there, including former Houston Texans lineman Chris Clark, who bounced around the league after being picked up as an undrafted free agent by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in 2008. At 34 years old, Clark isn’t a long-term option. But he managed to start a combined 20 games for the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans the last two years and could at least provide some veteran’s savvy for a unit that underwent a lot of changes during the offseason.
If healthy, a player like Clark could round out the Niners’ O-line depth and at least push some of the younger players to perform better in training camp.