SANTA CLARA — One of last season’s best storylines was how 49ers greybeard Joe Staley mentored and groomed Mike McGlinchey, the ninth overall draft pick who made all 16 starts at right tackle.
But the 49ers aren’t totally set at tackle as free agency begins on March 13.
They need to replace Garry Gilliam as the backup (or swing) tackle for Staley and McGlinchey.
There is no urgency to find another starter even though Staley is entering the final year of his contract, because Staley has indicated he wants to play a few more years.
The 49ers preferred to cut Gilliam rather than pay him $4.