While most of the 49ers’ big moves Monday revolved around the defensive line, the team also announced the re-signing of offensive tackle Shon Coleman to a one-year deal.
Coleman was supposed to be the team’s swing tackle last season, but suffered a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula during the first preseason game and went on season-ending injured reserve.
San Francisco acquired Coleman from the Browns for a seventh-round pick ahead of the 2018 season. He started all 16 games for Cleveland in 2017, but didn’t play at all for the 49ers in 2018, and was injured all of 2019.
With offensive line depth near the top of the team’s offseason needs, re-signing Coleman gives them added flexibility to go along with 2019 sixth-round pick Justin Skule, and journeyman Daniel Brunskill.
The new CBA allows for teams to have eight offensive linemen suited up on game days, so as many quality players at that spot as possible is vital. The 49ers ran into an issue this year where they were missing both starting tackles for several weeks. Left tackle Joe Staley wound up playing just seven games, and right tackle Mike McGlinchey played 12.
Coleman should quickly step into a battle with Skule for the swing tackle job.
