49ers’ 4 biggest remaining needs after moves in NFL free agency
By Peter Panacy
49ers position need No. 2: Offensive line
San Francisco’s offensive line already experienced some notable attrition in NFL free agency when John Lynch refused to match or exceed what the New York Jets ultimately paid Pro Bowl left guard Laken Tomlinson, a three-year deal worth up to $40 million.
Kudos to Lynch for not overspending there, but Tomlinson departing does open up a notable void at the position, one which the 49ers can hope second-year pro Aaron Banks fills adequately enough.
Even though Banks, a 2021 second-round pick, found himself inactive for much of his rookie season and saw only five regular-season snaps.
Read More: What’s the 49ers’ plan for Aaron Banks in 2022?
Things get more challenging, though, as right tackle Mike McGlinchey is still working his way back from a quad injury and subsequent surgery, and his availability for training camp is still in doubt. After McGlinchey suffered the injury in the first half of last season, the Niners deployed veteran offensive lineman Tom Compton in his stead, but now Compton has joined the Denver Broncos on a free-agent deal.
Right guard could stand for an upgrade, too, meaning San Francisco’s work on its O-line is far from complete.