In the midst of a rebuild, experience is needed, and a young 49ers team will need to rely on their veterans as they attempt to right the ship under new head coach Kyle Shanahan.
But the new regime has shown little regard for some of the veteran players that were on the team last year, allowing the likes of Glenn Dorsey and Gerald Hodges to walk, while Torrey Smith was released.
With four seasons under his belt, safety Eric Reid is one of more experienced heads on the roster and has in recent times become a leader in the locker room.