San Francisco 49ers: 5 Free agents still available before training camp
By Joe Kipp
2. Larry Warford, G
It was somewhat of a surprise to see the Saints release veteran guard Larry Warford last month. Warford enjoyed a career resurgence in New Orleans after being drafted 65th overall by the Lions in 2013. After spending four seasons in Detroit, Warford signed with the Saints in 2017 and subsequently was named to three straight Pro Bowls.
The Saints drafted Michigan center/guard Cesar Ruiz in the first round of the 2020 draft, so the writing was on the wall for Warford. Set to turn 29 years old later this month, a team looking for experience along the interior offensive line would be wise to sign him.
The San Francisco 49ers offense is at its best when the run game is running at full capacity (pun intended). With Warford, an experienced road grader, the Niners’ rushing attack would have an immediate upgrade along the interior. Though arguably a better pass protector, Warford’s skill-set as a run blocker is much better than that of Laken Tomlinson or Tom Compton.
A two-year contract valued at $6-7 million per year (average annual value) could be enough for the 49ers to sway Warford’s representatives. Not to mention the fact that San Fran is an instant Super Bowl contender.