The San Francisco 49ers completed a transaction on Monday, as offensive lineman Jordan Devey signed his exclusive rights tender. With less than three accrued seasons under his belt, Devey could either sign with the 49ers or not play football. [Insert joke about not playing football].
Devey returns to an offensive line that has numerous questions heading into the offseason workout program. We know Joe Staley will play left tackle, and it would appear certain that Daniel Kilgore will play center and Zane Beadles will play left guard. Right guard and right tackle are up in the air, and face questions about who exactly will be competing for the positions. The team does not begin football drills for two weeks, and when that gets going, there is only so much to take from the depth chart in place. My guess is Trenton Brown will be the first string right tackle, and Andrew Tiller will be the first string right guard. Erik Pears could end up at right guard, but he also could be the first guy off the bench for most of the line.
There are numerous young players that will factor into the offensive line competition. Devey is one of them, with Marcus Martin, Brandon Thomas, Ian Silberman, and Colin Kelly among the current crop of options. Anthony Davis could still return from retirement, and the team could still add an option or two in the draft.
For now, this guy is back!
Devey, that's the wrong way!! pic.twitter.com/XaxcpPqtCX
— Rich Hill (@PP_Rich_Hill) October 20, 2014