49ers showing interest in free agent OT Eugene Monroe

The San Francisco 49ers appear to be interested in some offensive line depth. ESPN’s Josina Anderson is reporting the team has “shown preliminary interest in Eugene Monroe.” Anderson is reporting the New York Giants remain interested, while the Seattle Seahawks had some discussions about him. Her tweet would seem to indicate the 49ers and Giants have reached out to Monroe, while the Seahawks are still having internal discussions.

The Baltimore Ravens released Monroe on Wednesday after they reportedly could not figure a trade with the New York Giants. The Ravens drafted Ronnie Stanley in the 2016 NFL Draft, and seem content to move on from Monroe. The left tackle was viewed as a potential franchise tackle, but he missed 16 games over the last two seasons. The Ravens eat signing bonus money, but will not have to pay him $6.5 million this season, or $6.75 million each of the following two season.

Anderson tweeted that Monroe’s preference is to stay at left tackle. The 49ers have Joe Staley locked in at left tackle, so if he does not change his mind, the situation would not work out. However, with six weeks left until training camp, Monroe does not need to rush on his decision.

Yesterday, I wrote that I did not think the 49ers would trade for Monroe, or sign him if he was released. I suppose I should not be surprised the 49ers have reached out, but it would certainly tell us more about their thoughts on Erik Pears and maybe Trenton Brown as their potential right tackle of 2016. Brown got in two starts late last season, but conditioning has remained an issue for him. If he does not arrive to training camp in sufficient shape, we very well could see John Theus or Fahn Cooper (or now apparently maybe Eugene Monroe) emerge ahead of him on the depth chart.

Fooch’s update: Great comment from AndresCantSleep