5 free-agent tackles 49ers could sign to replace Trent Williams

No. 1: Alejandro Villanueva, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are one of many teams this offseason way above the projected $180 million salary cap, meaning it’s going to be awfully difficult to retain franchise stalwarts like left tackle Alejandro Villanueva into 2021 and beyond.

At least the 49ers can count on being under the salary cap, currently, and not above it.

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As weird as it might seem to see Villanueva wearing something other than a Steelers jersey this offseason, he’ll still be one of the more sought-after linemen in this year’s free-agent class. Perhaps just a few shades below Trent Williams as far as attention goes.

Villanueva hasn’t missed a start since 2015 and has both a Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro nod under his belt. While he’s not quite at Williams’ level of productivity and prowess, Villanueva does have reliability on his side. That’s a good thing.

And while the 32 year old won’t come cheap — his Over the Cap valuation for 2020 is $15.48 million — Villanueva won’t cost San Francisco what it would likely have to dish out for Williams.

True, Villanueva might be priced out of the 49ers’ comfort range anyway.

But if the Niners want to make a solid investment without having to get into a massive bidding war for Williams’ services, spending on Villanueva wouldn’t be the worst thing to do.