San Francisco 49ers: 5 Free agents still available before training camp
By Joe Kipp
5. Josh Kline, OG
Though not a top 10 guard, Josh Kline would provide the 49ers with an instant upgrade along the interior of the offensive line. San Francisco’s current projected starters of Laken Tomlinson and Tom Compton are both average at best.
Kline, who spent last season with the Minnesota Vikings, is an ideal fit for the 49ers. He has extensive experience in a zone-blocking running scheme and has the athletic profile to be a pulling guard. At the very least, Kline would provide the 49ers with ample depth along the interior and would challenge Compton and Tomlinson in training camp.
San Francisco relies heavily on the run game on offense, led by running backs Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman. Jimmy Garoppolo isn’t the type of quarterback who can take over games. Kline would give San Fran a run-blocking guard who can aid in what the team does best: grinding the clock and running the ball.
Even as an experienced veteran (92 games played, 77 starts), Kline would still be a cheap option for general manager John Lynch. He likely wouldn’t cost more than $3-4 million for a one-year contract. This could be a sneaky signing for the 49ers.