Austen Pleasants signed his ERFA tender, meaning he could be a pivotal piece for the 49ers' offensive line in 2025.
The San Francisco 49ers had to rely heavily on their depth to support the offensive line over the course of 2024, especially late in the season when starters like Trent Williams and Aaron Banks were lost to injuries.
One of the beneficiaries who saw increased playing time toward the tail end of last year was Austen Pleasants, a 2020 undrafted free agent who originally signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars before bouncing around the league prior to joining the Niners last December.
Pleasants, 6-foot-7 and 330 pounds, appeared in three games for San Francisco, seeing action on 67 offensive snaps in the process.
Sure, it's a relatively small sample size. But, according to Pro Football Focus, he at least didn't allow a sack or quarterback hit despite surrendering four pressures during that brief span.
In light of the 49ers' pending O-line situation entering 2025, Pleasants could be a name to watch.
Austen Pleasants is a candidate for 49ers' prime O-line backup role
The Niners just announced Pleasants signed his exclusive-rights free-agent tender, alongside tight end Jake Tonges, ensuring both will be around and under contract this upcoming season, provided San Francisco doesn't waive either player.
The 49ers already lost two key figures from last year's O-line, Banks and swing tackle Jaylon Moore, to free agency. While other free-agent targets may fill the void, and it's anyone's guess which O-line prospects they'll target in the NFL Draft in late April, the Niners also have a reputation for fielding less-heralded linemen into the fray.
Daniel Brunskill is a previous example, while current center Jake Brendel is the most recent. Additionally, a relatively unknown Ben Bartch suddenly emerged as Banks' would-be replacement at left guard after briefly impressing late last season.
Pleasants likely isn't ticketed as a starter, no. But, as far as commanding a crucial spot as a backup on the depth chart, his name might surface as someone to watch over the balance of offseason activities and into training camp.
That'd be his goal, if nothing else.