The San Francisco 49ers are expecting big things from Mike Evans this season. He’ll be Brock Purdy’s go-to target and open things up for everyone else on offense. He should allow George Kittle to take his time returning from an Achilles injury, as well as make life easier on Ricky Pearsall. That’s expected.
Several other free agents on the roster could make meaningful contributions. But to what degree?
Will Christian Kirk stay healthy enough to add a speed dimension on offense?
Will Vederian Lowe save
the day at tackle if Trent Williams misses time? Robert Jones and Bret Toth joined the roster to help the interior offensive line depth. They also have a chance to earn a starting spot at left guard.
It doesn’t feel right to list Dre Greenlaw as an underrated addition. It feels like he never left. However, a couple of members in the secondary could see time on the field if there are any injuries. Both Jack Jones and Nate Hobbs have plenty of experience.
On a team that hasn’t gotten NFL-quality production during the past few seasons, maybe the answer is punter Corliss Waitman. That’s right, a punter might be the most underrated addition.
My answer: When offensive line coach Chris Foerster was asked about the options at left guard in the spring, he said, “I don’t know if one person is going to win the job.” Toth didn’t do much during the spring, but Foerster said he’ll be the backup center, whether he starts at left guard or not.
There’s a hope that Connor Colby takes the Year 2 leap, but that is nothing but projection.
Process of elimination brings me to Robert Jones, who has played the position at the highest level in the NFL. Jones has played just under 1,900 career snaps and only committed four penalties. He allowed four sacks as a starter in 2024 but had a blown-block rate of 2.9 percent. For reference, Colby’s and Spencer Burford’s blown block percentage in the passing game was 6.3 percent last season.
Experience should win out.
