The San Francisco 49ers continue kicking over rocks to see what free agency can still net them. The 2017 NFL draft is three days away, but the team will bring in free agent center Tim Barnes for a workout on Tuesday, according to NFL reporter Jim Thomas.
The Los Angeles Rams released Barnes earlier this offseason, with the new coaching staff looking to overhaul the offensive line. Barnes started all 32 games the past two seasons, but did not do nearly enough to convince the team to keep him around. He was replaced by veteran John Sullivan. Pro Football Focus rated Barnes the second worst center in football. Barnes was entering the second season of a two-year, $5.5 million deal.
The 49ers will have players on hand for their voluntary minicamp Tuesday through Thursday, so we’ll see if he gets signed in time to join the minicamp. If he does get signed, he would seem to be competing primarily for depth. The 49ers acquired Jeremy Zuttah from the Baltimore Ravens via trade. He joined incumbent center Daniel Kilgore. The team has Joshua Garnett and Zane Beadles on the line as well, but plenty could change between now and the start of the season.