Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE
The San Francisco 49ers offensive line is going through a big transformation this offseason. Unfortunately, not for the better.
The startling announcement of right tackle Anthony Davis‘ retirement last week has forced San Francisco to reshuffle the offensive by rotating newly signed Erik Pears in as right tackle.
Right guard Alex Boone is also familiar with the position; however, head coach Jim Tomsula is so far resistant to the idea. “Alex can play right tackle — he played it in college,” Tomsula said. “Right now we’ve got Pears at right tackle. And Alex I’m sure at some point will get some work at tackle.”
Luckily for the 49ers, one of league’s best offensive linemen just came on the market on Thursday. The 11-year veteran guard Evan Mathis was released from the Philadelphia Eagles after voicing displeasure with the organization’s decision to annul a 2014 agreement to increase the tail end of his contract.
The Eagles front office under general manager Howie Roseman offered the deal to Mathis last year. Philadelphia contends since Roseman is no longer GM, so now the offer is no longer valid.
The 33-year-old veteran made the Pro Bowl in two consecutive seasons in 2013 and 2014, despite missing eight games last year due to a MCL sprain. Mathis was schedule to earn $11.5 million over the next two years, which the 49ers can easily afford.
San Francisco has a little more than $10 million in cap space to sign Mathis. GM Trent Baalke is not known to pursue big name top dollar free agents. However, the No.2 ranked guard in 2014 is one of the hottest commodities on the market right now and he can provide immediate help to the offensive line heading into the regular season.
If the 49ers successfully court Mathis to the Bay Area, Tomsula can shift Boone to right tackle and bring stability to the offensive line with a dependable Pro Bowl-grade right guard.
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.
