In Kyle Shanahan’s system, the center is paramount. The 49ers have had several centers during Shanahan’s time, including Weston Richburg, Alex Mack, Hroniss Grasu, Ben Garland, and Jake Brendel. In 2018, Shanahan and John Lynch targeted Richburg and signed him to a five-year, $47.5 million contract. Unfortunately, following two serious injuries, Richburg retired from the NFL, leaving the 49ers to continue their search for a starting center.
2020 began with Grasu starting at center for the first time in his career, but Garland would fill in for five games, and the position would see a few players stepping in due to injuries and poor play.