4 former SF 49ers players who could return in 2021
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Offensive Guard Mike Iupati, Seattle Seahawks
The SF 49ers boasted one of the best offensive lines in the NFL back in the early 2010s, and offensive guard Mike Iupati was a big reason why.
Iupati couldn’t be retained when he hit the open market in 2015, and he’s spent the subsequent years within the NFC West, playing with both the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks.
At 33 years old, Iupati’s best playing days are behind him. But as is the case with Daniel Kilgore, there’s a key reason why bringing Iupati back as a starting option would make a lot of sense. Daniel Brunskill’s natural position isn’t at center. And depending what happens with left tackle Trent Williams, a high-profile free agent in 2021, a contingency plan for the Niners could be to move Brunskill into Williams’ stead as an emergency option.
Even if San Francisco finds an upgrade at center, a would-be Brunskill move from right guard to tackle leaves a void at the former position needing to be filled.
Iupati could fit in there on the cheap and be an interim option while the SF 49ers pursue other long-term options.