The 49ers have made continuity a key component of their offseason moves, and they took another step toward that Wednesday when they agreed to a one-year deal with reserve offensive lineman Ben Garland. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported the signing first.
Garland wound up playing a key role on the offensive line last year after signing a one-year deal in the offseason. He can play multiple spots on the offensive line and stepped in at center when Weston Richburg went down with a knee injury in Week 14. Garland started the final 3 games and all three playoff games.
Center depth is vital considering Garland played through a bad injury in 2018, and then got hurt again last season. Teams will be required to suit up eight offensive linemen this year under the new CBA, so having multiple options up front will be essential.
Garland joins Shon Coleman among versatile offensive linemen the 49ers have re-signed in the offseason. They’ll also have Justin Skule and Daniel Brunskill going into the season as the favorites to land reserve offensive line spots on the 53-man roster, though that could change depending on how the team operates in the draft in April.