Left tackle Joe Staley is hoping his 13th NFL season will begin this summer with a humbling training camp experience.
The 49ers head into the offseason with approximately $70 million in salary cap space and the No. 2 overall draft pick. The 49ers are certain to attempt to make a dramatic improvement at edge rusher – the team’s most urgent need.
More than a month after the 49ers can begin to make upgrades via free agency, the 49ers will have the opportunity to bring in the first- or second-best player on their draft board.
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Edge rushers Nick Bosa (formerly of Ohio State) and Josh Allen (Kentucky) are distinct possibilities to suit up for the 49ers next season.
Staley spoke on The 49ers Insider Podcast about next season, including the suggestion that the 49ers will add a young edge rusher against whom he will go up against daily in training camp this summer.
“I look forward to that -- another competitive challenge,” Staley said. “I hope he makes it a real long camp for me, because that bodes well for our football team.”
Staley said he feels energized about the state of the 49ers franchise under coach Kyle Shanahan despite a 4-12 season coming off the 6-10 year of 2017.
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“We went through a lot of adversity this year and we handled it really well,” Staley said. “The culture in this building is really good. It’s probably the best I’ve had since I’ve been around. Guys are excited about playing football, excited about coming to work.
“But the results, they don’t say that. But it is exciting. I’m excited to go into next year with a full roster. We have that second overall pick. We’ll bring in some more talent in free agency. I’m excited for what’s built here. I do think what we’ve gone through the last two years will benefit us greatly when we really start putting together some wins and the locker room is rolling like I know it will be.”
[RELATED: 49ers to get up-close look at top edge rushers in Senior Bowl]
One of the aspects of this season that made it fun for Staley was his relationship with rookie right tackle Mike McGlinchey, the team’s pick at No. 9 overall in the draft. McGlinchey benefited from Staley’s mentorship, but Staley said the presence of McGlinchey helped him, too.
“That was a fun year for me to be able to play with him,” Staley said. “It was fun to compete with him this year, have that guy over there that we’d push each other every single day.
“It was healthy competition between us. We get along so well. It was so natural from Day 1. I don’t have any brothers, but he was the brother I would envision me having.”
Staley and McGlinchey graded out among the best in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. Staley’s overall PFF ranking was tied for sixth among all tackles. McGlinchey graded out as the second-best run blocker among tackles in the league.