Difficult decisions 49ers must make due to salary cap issues
By Peter Panacy
![Jimmie Ward #1 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) Jimmie Ward #1 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/935bf613fea702cc73a7eb9f3ceed795e5d47968a6c2ca8cedae8dd54b8d74e9.jpg)
49ers tough decision No. 2: Re-sign Mike McGlinchey
Right tackle Mike McGlinchey might not be a fan favorite in the Bay Area, but his reputation for being an awful pass blocker is probably exaggerated to a large degree.
Even if pass blocking isn’t his strong suit, he’s one of the better run blockers in the NFL, and head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense is still a run-first system. One has to recall that the Niners bade farewell to a starting right tackle in Trent Brown in the same draft when McGlinchey was selected in Round 1 back in 2018.
Now, five seasons later, McGlinchey is ranked as Pro Football Focus’ 10th best free agent available, and they project him to earn a new deal worth $15.5 million, annually.
Read More: What do Niners do if Mike McGlinchey departs in NFL free agency?
Would San Francisco want to match that, particularly with tons of cash already tied up in Trent Williams?
It’s a hard bet, and the 49ers may actually be hard-pressed to find an upgrade over him anyway.