3 offseason moves 49ers still need to make

No. 2: 49ers must release Tom Compton

There’s a small bit of sense why the 49ers re-signed veteran offensive guard Tom Compton this offseason.

While his efforts in reserve roles last year over seven games played and three starts were anything but exemplary, at least he had some familiarity with the offense, and the Niners weren’t yet guaranteed to select rookie linemen Aaron Banks and Jaylon Moore in the 2021 NFL Draft.

With Banks and Moore now in the mix, both vying to play guard, Compton’s presence is a bit redundant.

Granted, teams typically field three different units for the offensive line during OTAs and training camp, and a player like Moore likely will have to work his way up from the third-stringers and take over a depth-chart spot from someone like Compton.

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That said, Compton doesn’t face a long-term future with the team. And San Francisco already has younger, potentially higher-ceiling players along the O-line with contributors like Justin Skule, Daniel Brunskill and Colton McKivitz, who should be competing with Moore and Banks instead.

Those reps in training camp can be vital and essential for a first-year player’s development, and the more snaps someone like Moore can get should give him a boost.

The 49ers shouldn’t let Compton take those practice reps, rather give them to one of the younger players instead.