49ers sign Al Netter for 90th roster spot

The San Francisco 49ers have filled their 90th roster spot. The team announced this afternoon that they have signed Al Netter to a one year contract. Netter has spent sizable chunks of the past two seasons with the 49ers. He signed with the team as an undrafted free agent following the 2012 NFL Draft. He spent the 2012 season on the practice squad. He returned to the 49ers for 2013 training camp. He was released on August 26, 2013, and then signed with the Tennessee Titans practice squad on September 2. He was released on October 8, and then signed back to the 49ers practice squad on October 14, where he spent the remainder of the season. He signed a reserve/futures contract after the season, but then was released in early June when the 49ers signed Blake Costanzo.

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When I posted a poll about position to fill after Eric Wright's retirement, cornerback led the way with 48 percent of the vote, but offensive line was second at 13 percent. Last week, I put together a rundown of some of the best free agents still on the market. I probably should have mentioned Netter given how much he is coming and going with the team.

Netter is a camp body at this point. He does have one more season of practice squad eligibility, but it is limited because it would be his third season. If he were to be released at the end of training camp and then sign with the practice squad, he could only remain with that group as long as the 49ers maintained a full 53-man roster. If they were to waive somebody, Netter would either have to be signed to the roster, or be released from the practice squad. That is the "third year" rule as it applies to the practice squad.

The 49ers offensive line has too much depth at this point for Netter to crack the 53-man roster. He could absolutely blow it up in training camp and the preseason, but I would be surprised by that. As it currently stands, the depth chart likely looks a little something like this:

LT: Joe Staley, Jonathan Martin
LG: Mike Iupati, Adam Snyder, Brandon Thomas
C: Daniel Kilgore, Marcus Martin, Dillon Farrell
RG: Alex Boone, Joe Looney, Ryan Seymour, Al Netter
RT: Anthony Davis, Carter Bykowski, Fou Fonoti

Alex Boone's presence remains a question mark, so that certainly could open up a roster spot in some form or fashion. For now though, Jonathan Martin, Adam Snyder, Marcus Martin, Joe Looney, and Ryan Seymour would seem to be the guys with any sort of legitimate chance at a spot on the 53-man roster.