SF 49ers free agency: 5 offensive linemen to target in 2021
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: Center Alex Mack, Atlanta Falcons
San Francisco can save $4.49 million in cap space this offseason if it cuts Weston Richburg before June 1. If the SF 49ers can somehow wait until after that date, cutting him would free up $7.95 million in cap space.
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Richburg’s recent injury history is a cause for concern, and one could make the argument the lofty five-year, $47.5 million free-agent deal dished out to him in 2018 wasn’t exactly money well spent.
Fortunately, the idea of adding one of Kyle Shanahan’s former players with the Atlanta Falcons, 35-year-old center Alex Mack, would provide another veteran presence while perhaps even serving as an upgrade over Richburg.
Granted, at this stage of his career, Mack isn’t a long-term choice. But he’s already familiar with Shanahan’s offense and thrived within it, earning two of his six Pro Bowl nods when Shanahan was Atlanta’s offensive coordinator.
Plus, to make things juicier, Mack hinted at a possible interest in rejoining with Shanahan in San Francisco, according to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco.
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At this stage of his career, Mack might not be overly expensive and would at least hold the line until a younger option could be identified.