49ers free agency: What to do if Mike McGlinchey departs?

The 49ers seem poised to lose starting right tackle Mike McGlinchey to NFL free agency, and there are only limited options to replace him.

FanSided NFL insider Matt Verderame described the potential class of free agents in 2023 as one that’s “very little in terms of difference-makers” in his recent Stacking the Box column.

Yet the San Francisco 49ers are poised to lose a number of key starters to NFL free agency this offseason, including quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and safety Jimmie Ward, both of whom have played significant roles in the Niners’ ascent to power under head coach Kyle Shanahan.

While those names are known well enough, San Francisco is also poised to lose starting right tackle Mike McGlinchey, who just wrapped his fifth-year option after the 49ers used a first-round pick on him back in the 2018 NFL Draft.

McGlinchey already acknowledged he’d like to stay with the Niners but wouldn’t be “an idiot” when it comes to making a decision.

One that’ll include money.

San Francisco could, theoretically, place the franchise tag on McGlinchey to prevent him from departing. However, the fully guaranteed $18.24 million for offensive tackles is very likely much higher than what McGlinchey would command on the open market.

Read More: Don’t expect Niners to use franchise tag in 2023 offseason

In reality, the 49ers will probably allow their five-year starting right tackle to test that NFL free agency market, and it wouldn’t be shocking if he finds employment elsewhere fairly soon.

49ers won’t have too many options in free agency, NFL Draft to replace Mike McGlinchey

McGlinchey might not be a fan favorite among the Faithful, but replacing him is much harder to do than just saying it.

Perhaps the best replacement option would be Atlanta Falcons right tackle Kaleb McGary, who is modestly better than McGlinchey (who’s good) in run support but notably better in pass protection.

McGary, too, will come with a hefty price tag, and the Niners may prefer not to spend big here when they have other holes to fill and extensions (ahem, EDGE Nick Bosa) to sign.

Over the Cap has San Francisco at just over $8 million in salary-cap space, currently, for 2023.

However, as Verderame noted, the 2023 free-agent class is pretty underwhelming overall, and there won’t be too many clear-cut upgrade options over McGlinchey by the way of that route.

Additionally, the 2023 NFL Draft might be stockpiled with tight ends and defensive backs, but it’s also regarded as being a weaker year for offensive linemen.

If that’s the case, and McGlinchey walks, how will San Francisco react?

49ers to promote from within if Mike McGlinchey leaves in NFL free agency?

Last offseason, the 49ers watched Pro Bowl center Alex Mack retire, and their contingency plan was to promote veteran journeyman backup Jake Brendel into a starting role.

While Brendel wasn’t flashy or dominant, he was effective enough not to be a massive liability.

This offseason, there are signs that the Niners may take a similar path, only this time, it’ll be the likes of offensive lineman Colton McKivitz to be bumped into a starter’s role, and that’s precisely what NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco laid out as a probability:

"Colton McKivitz has appeared in 28 games over three seasons with the 49ers, including five starts. He would appear to be next in line for the job. …When [Trent] Williams was unavailable for the must-win Week 18 game of the 2021 season against the Los Angeles Rams, McKivitz got the call to play left tackle."

McKivitz also started off 2022 as San Francisco’s primary swing tackle and stayed in that role before landing on injured reserve with a knee injury last October.

Poised to be fully healthy now, it would appear as if he’d be first in line to replace McGlinchey, should the latter ultimately depart.

And that sure seems like a likelihood.