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In August of last year, Josh Garnett was trying to stay healthy and battle for a starting spot on the San Francisco 49ers offensive line. Garnett was released from the team before the regular season, and the former first-round pick never found a home during 2019. Garnett has a new team. On Monday, the Detroit Lions signed Garnett, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Hopefully, Detroit is a better scheme fit for Garnett, who never had a shot in Kyle Shanahan’s zone-blocking scheme. The 28th pick of the 2016 draft started 11 games during his rookie campaign, but injuries kept Garnett sidelined for the majority of 2017, and that bled into 2018. The Lions may lose their starting right guard, Graham Glasgow, in free agency, so Garnett is a good depth signing.
Hopefully, Detroit is a better scheme fit for Garnett, who never had a shot in Kyle Shanahan’s zone-blocking scheme. The 28th pick of the 2016 draft started 11 games during his rookie campaign, but injuries kept Garnett sidelined for the majority of 2017, and that bled into 2018. The Lions may lose their starting right guard, Graham Glasgow, in free agency, so Garnett is a good depth signing.
I don’t think anyone is rooting against Garnett. I hope he turns his career around like a former first-round pick when he was traded, Laken Tomlinson. The 49ers acquired Tomlinson for a fifth-round pick. Tomlinson has played over 1,000 snaps for San Francisco in the last three seasons. Health will be critical for Garnett. Perhaps a year off from football will help.