SF 49ers free agency: 5 cheap players to target in 2021
By Peter Panacy
SF 49ers Free-Agent Target No. 4: Offensive Tackle Jared Veldheer
Nope, not a flashy signing. But 2020 proved just how vital it is to have adequate depth along the offensive line after a wave of injuries ravaged this unit for much of the season.
On top of that, an uncertain future for the SF 49ers’ top pending free agent, left tackle Trent Williams, opens up the possibility to explore contingency options if he doesn’t return in 2021.
Former Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers veteran tackle Jared Veldheer isn’t a long-term fixture, although he made history by being the first player to appear in postseason games with two different teams last January.
But the reason why the 34-year-old Veldheer might make some sense on the cheap is because of a limited-but-helpful understanding of head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, which isn’t unlike that of the Packers under their head coach, Matt LaFleur.
Veldheer could be an easy one-year backup option at the veteran’s minimum, potentially serving as a swing tackle, depending on what the Niners do with last year’s opt-out, Shon Coleman, or a low-level starter who can hold the line until another player is selected, developed and then inserted to the starting lineup.
Those kinds of role players are important, too.