Predicting which free agents 49ers re-sign, let walk in 2023

49ers NFL free agency prediction: Center Jake Brendel

Like Tashaun Gipson, center Jake Brendel seriously outplayed what was expected of him going into 2022.

Never having served as a starter despite being in the league since 2016, the perennial journeyman backup ended up being about as reliable as they come, finishing the year having allowed only one sack and three quarterback hits.

Of course, this could ultimately price him out of the 49ers’ market, and few would blame either party for letting something like that happen.

However, it might actually be in Brendel’s best interest to stick around for at least another season.

For starters, 2022 was a perfect debut moment in a good situation within a good offense. He’s not guaranteed to get anything of the sort elsewhere. Plus, the Niners have historically preferred veteran centers over rookies and younger players.

So, even if San Francisco drafts a center this spring, Brendel would still be the favorite to start again in 2023.

And it’d probably be on an affordable deal, given that plenty of other potential suitors would want to see him back up that kind of play one more time before committing big money.

Prediction: Re-sign