5 low-key free agents 49ers must bring back in 2023
By Peter Panacy
49ers free-agent No. 2: Center Jake Brendel
The Niners should be looking for a long-term option and upgrade at center, yes.
But they should also strongly consider bringing back their starter at this position from 2022, Jake Brendel, too.
Brendel, who became the de facto option once Pro Bowler Alex Mack retired last offseason, far exceeded the level of expectation many had for him, and that was quite a pleasant development. After all, Brendel had just three regular-season starts dating back to 2016 before this year’s campaign as a starter.
During that stretch, Pro Football Focus awarded him with a respectable 64.9 overall grade, crediting him with only one sack and 12 quarterback pressures allowed over that entire span.
Not bad at all.
Even if San Francisco grabs an upgrade in free agency or the NFL Draft, keeping Brendel around as a solid backup would be an excellent move.