The San Francisco 49ers released Zane Beadles on Monday and it seemed to be a mercy release, allowing Beadles a way to find a new team before training camp begins. With the release the 49ers clear $3.5 million in cap space, and will carry $583,334 in dead money.
The release also opens up a swing tackle role and removes a possible competitor from the 49ers guard position. The two guard positions are most up for grabs on the roster for 2018 and it will definitely be something to watch, especially with Joshua Garnett returning from his body transformation.
Here’s a basic look at the 49ers offensive line depth chart for the time being:
OT: Joe Staley, Mike McGlinchey, Garry Gilliam, Darrell Williams Jr., Jamar McGloster, Andrew Lauderdale, Pace Murphy
OG: Laken Tomlinson, Jonathan Cooper, Joshua Garnett, Erik Magnuson, Najee Toran,
C: Weston Richburg, Alan Knott, Coleman Shelton
If the offensive line competition would end tomorrow, the best guess would be Staley and McGlinchey at left and right tackle respectively, Richburg at Center, and two of Tomlinson, Garnett, and Cooper at guard. Garry Gilliam signed a two-year extension this offseason, and is competing with Darrell Williams for the swing tackle role.
The guard positions are the two starting jobs still up for grabs, but the swing roles will be worth watching. Along with Gilliam and Williams, Erik Magnuson will get a chance to fill Beadles’ do-everything role. Given the need for versatility of reserves, it will likely have a big impact on the roster bottom line.