Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE
In another surprising turn of events for the San Francisco 49ers, 25-year-old right tackle Anthony Davis has just announced his early retirement from the NFL. Davis will be the fourth 49er to retire from the organization this year. Adam Schefter first broke the news when he released a statement from Davis on his Facebook page.
#49ers OT Anthony Davis on retiring: “I’m simply doing what’s best for my body as well as my mental health at this time in my life.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 5, 2015
Losing another talented member of the offensive line will be a hard pill to swallow for San Francisco. They also lost right guard Mike Iupati earlier this year in free agency, along with the franchise’s all-time leading rusher Frank Gore. There were also the retirements of Patrick Willis, Chris Borland and Justin Smith.
Fortunately for the 49ers, the team has enough depth on the offensive line to mitigate the loss of Davis. Many are expecting San Francisco to shift right guard Alex Boone over to Davis’ vacant spot this offseason. The 28-year-old Boone was signed by the 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2009, and had to battle for a roster spot until he became the team’s starting right tackle in 2012.
Boone did not participate in 2014 offseason programs and this season’s volunteer OTAs due to ongoing dissatisfaction over his contract with the franchise. With Davis is set to retire, the pressure is now on the 49ers to quickly sign Boone to a long-term deal that will keep him happy and on the field.
Problems last year with the offensive line led to nearly a league high in sacks (52). Inconsistency along the offensive line resulting from injuries was partially to blame. The 49ers are also establishing a new offensive line scheme that requires a cohesive unit. The other players who are also capable of filling the position are veteran Erik Pears, and rookies Trent Brown and Ian Silberman. The latter two will likely compete for a spot during summer’s training camp.
Related Link: San Francisco 49ers Scramble To Redevelop Offensive Line Schemes
James Forsythe is a 49ers Beat Writer at www.RantSports.com. You can Follow him on Twitter @9erJim or add him to your network on Google.
