SANTA CLARA, Calif. _ The 49ers will bring back interior offensive lineman Ben Garland on a one-year contract, a league source confirmed to The Bee Wednesday hours before the start of the new league year.
Garland, who turns 32 next month, started at center for the final three games of the regular season and the playoffs in place of starter Weston Richburg, who tore his patellar tendon in his knee in early December. NFL Network reported Garland's deal is worth $2.25 million.
Garland played under 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan when he joined the Atlanta Falcons in Sept. 2015 after beginning his career as an undrafted free agent with the Denver Broncos in 2012. He played at the Air Force Academy.
San Francisco signed Garland last offseason to provide depth along the interior of the offensive line. The 49ers are expecting Richburg to return for the start of training camp following the knee injury. Though it marks the second straight offseason Richburg will be rehabbing a significant leg ailment. He had surgery following the 2018 campaign to re-attach a ligament connecting his thigh and knee that required some seventh months to fully recover.
The 49ers appear to have good depth along the offensive line. Daniel Brunskill was a surprise contributor last season in a reserve role working at both tackle and guard. Sixth-round draft choice Justin Skule was a serviceable backup in place of Joe Staley for a stint early in the year.
San Francisco will also bring back "swing" tackle candidate Shon Coleman, meaning the 49ers will have their top nine linemen from last season under contract for 2020.
