Fans would explode if 49ers follow through on reported draft interest in kicker

The San Francisco 49ers are either poorly trying to fool everyone or have serious buyer's remorse after extending kicker Eddy Pineiro earlier this offseason.

Either way, reports of the Niners expressing interest in Houston kicker Ethan Sanchez by attending his pro day certainly sent waves of confusion throughout the fanbase.

Houston's KPRC2's Aaron Wilson reported San Francisco's interest, joining other teams like the Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles as attending the workout:

And that certainly left many a fan shocked.

It'd be a crime if 49ers actually draft Ethan Sanchez

Pineiro's extension with the Niners was substantial: a four-year, $17 million deal after his impressive first season in the Bay Area.

But the $4 million in guaranteed salary for 2027 pretty much indicates any interest in Sanchez is based little in actually trying to land him in the draft. Plus, after the disaster that was taking kicker Jake Moody in Round 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft, one should logically conclude San Francisco won't burn another precious draft asset on a specialist.

Especially with most scouting reports suggesting Sanchez is on the fringes between being a seventh-round target and priority undrafted free agent.

The 49ers attending certainly doesn't indicate a serious draft interest, especially considering the fact they don't have a pick after their four selections in the fourth round.

Again, that's a pretty good indicator the Niners are looking at the specialist prospect as a possible contingency plan, should Pineiro suffer some sort of injury and Sanchez is available at some point during the year.

That said, the notion of drafting a kicker has to trigger many a San Francisco fan, especially after the Moody selection went south in a hurry.