It's been reported that the 49ers will host former Ravens and Rams offensive lineman Jason Brown this weekend. Brown, 28, will be one of the handful of offensive linemen San Francisco has brought in for a visit. The Niners missed on Geoff Schwartz who signed with the Vikings, and look to be passing on Leonard Davis and Deuce Lutui.
Brown was originally signed by the Rams to a five-year, $37.5 million contract, but for whatever reasons, his career fizzled there.
However, I believe the 49ers should make a move to make sure Brown takes a deal with the Niners.
Brown is looking to revitalize his career after being let go by the Rams and replaced by former Green Bay Packer Scott Wells. The 49ers need a guard and a back-up center; Brown has experience playing both positions. He's also a big physical guy who could be coached up, much like the other free agent acquisitions the 49ers have made the past two offseasons.
At 6'3, 328-pounds, Brown would fit nicely at right guard. I also believe if nothing else, he would provide great competition at camp for last year's 5th rounder, Daniel Kilgore. Kilgore has been talked about as being a potential favorite for the right guard position, but it hasn't stopped the 49ers from examining low risk free agents at his position.
The 49ers have taken their time and looked at several free agents at the offensive line, so one has to believe they will eventually sign one. Not to mention, you could fit Brown in the same category as guys like Lutui, Schwartz and Davis -- but Brown could be the best one of the group.
At 28-years-old, he isn't over the hill and he's got something to prove.
If San Francisco brings him in, they won't have to sweat acquiring an offensive lineman in the first round. They could focus on bringing in an offensive weapon early in the draft; Brown's presence along with Kilgore would allow for that sort of flexibility.
It seems to be a now or never kind of situation with the Niners and the free agent offensive linemen, so I'd be surprised if they don't sign Brown to a contract similar to Randy Moss' deal.
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