It sounds like San Francisco 49ers guard Joshua Garnett should be in camp just about on time with a rookie contract. NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport tweeted that it doesn’t appear a holdout will happen, and a deal should get done shortly. The hold-up is likely over offset language, but it sounds like it will get resolved.
Garnett reported to the 49ers for minicamp back in June, after missing OTAs due to Stanford’s final exam schedule. He started out with the third string, and there is no word yet on where he will be practicing when he reports. My guess is he starts as a reserve, with Brandon Thomas continuing his work starting at right guard. I don’t see how Garnett is not starting when Week 1 rolls around, but I am also curious what we can potentially expect from Thomas. If he puts together a strong preseason, could the 49ers maybe try and deal him for some kind of pick? I doubt they could get more than a late round pick at this point, but I am curious what a cost controlled but inexperienced guard who looks good in preseason might go for these days.
The 49ers first preseason game is on August 14, which gives us just two weeks of practice before we see the first game-day depth chart. That first depth chart won’t be the final word on anything, but it will give us a first glimpse at what the coaches are thinking.