5 free agents 49ers should bring in for training camp tryouts

49ers free-agent target No. 1: Center J.C. Tretter

Nope, this isn’t the first time we’ve pounded the table for former Cleveland Browns center J.C. Tretter.

And unless the presumed replacement for now-retired Pro Bowler Alex Mack, reserve lineman Jake Brendel, absolutely thrives and impresses in training camp, it likely won’t be the last time Tretter is touted either.

Unless Tretter signs elsewhere, of course.

Tretter, 31 years old, might not be quite at the same level as Mack, at least in terms of Pro Bowl pedigree and prowess. But Tretter has been notably reliable over his career, missing only one regular-season start in 2021 and playing a full crop of games each year dating back to 2017.

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There’s also the reality of Kyle Shanahan preferring experience over youth at center, too. Combined with the fact Brendel has only three regular-season starts under his belt, it’s not hard to see why this is such a massive concern for San Francisco’s offensive line.

The 49ers do have other in-house options, of course, but Tretter should surpass any of those and then some.

With the Niners looking to fully transition to second-year quarterback Trey Lance, providing him as much experience and support as possible would be the wise play here, and Tretter should get that phone call just before training camp opens up later this summer.