49ers wish they could afford these 4 big-name free agents in 2022

49ers ‘would love’ player No. 3: Center Ryan Jensen, Buccaneers

The Niners’ 2021 offseason pickup of veteran center Alex Mack was a coup, and despite Mack not being quite as prolific as he was earlier this season, the fact he was still able to make the Pro Bowl shows why he was a massive upgrade over the turnstile efforts San Francisco experimented with the previous season.

Mack, 36 years old, has contemplated retirement at the end of the last few seasons. Should that decision become official this offseason, the 49ers would be in quite the conundrum.

Especially without the option of a proven replacement currently on the roster.

If the Niners could afford it, and knowing head coach Kyle Shanahan’s preference for veterans over upstart rookies, going after Tampa Bay Buccaneers veteran center Ryan Jensen would be the ideal fix.

Jensen, who’ll turn 31 years old by the time the 2022 season rolls around, won’t come cheap, though, and he’s arguably the best interior offensive lineman available on the market this year. Over the Cap values his 2021 efforts at just over $9 million per season, which is still quite a lot for an interior lineman.

And, as is the case with Chandler Jones, Jensen could easily be seeking a new contract worth even more than that, considering it might be his final massive payout for his career.