Josh

Garnett

Garnett didn’t make it to training camp with the Lions. The first-round bust missed all of 2017 to injury and was out of the league last year. Washington also signed OT David Steinmetz.

Garnett signed in February after spending last year out of the league. The 2016 first-rounder was a longshot for the final roster. The Lions also released Travis Fulgham, Chris Lacy, LB Christian Sam, and DE Jonathan Wynn.

The 49ers drafted Garnett in the first round of the 2016 draft, but he ultimately played just 22 games from 2016-2019. Matthew Stafford’s 37.5% pressured dropback rate was the eighth-worst mark in the league in 2019. C Graham Glasgow is a free agent.

Garnett left without a deal, but he reportedly “ranks high” on Houston’s list of available linemen. A former first-rounder with starting experience, it won’t be surprising if Garnett resurfaces over the next few weeks.

The injury-prone first-rounder mustered only five appearances the past two seasons due to a prolonged knee injury and other ailments. He finishes his three-year tenure with the Niners with only 12 games under his belt as the team’s No. 28 overall pick in the 2016 draft. He’ll land with another suitor if only for his previous first-round pedigree.

It is the last thing the injury-prone former first-rounder needed. Garnett missed all of 2017 with a knee injury and was limited to seven reserve appearances in 2018. The 49ers did not exercise his fifth-year team option for 2020. It’s possible Garnett’s 53-man roster spot is in jeopardy.

It is not really a surprise considering Garnett has appeared in just 22 games since being selected No. 28 overall in 2016, struggling with injuries and effectiveness along the way. Garnett will compete with Mike Person for the right guard spot in camp.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said it’s not a season-ender. Garnett had to replace RG Mike Person in Week 1 after Person exited with a foot strain. First-round RT Mike McGlinchey kicked inside to guard after both players were hurt.

Garnett had been running with the second-team offense on the right side. It could be a sign Andrew Tiller has locked things down at right guard. It could also mean the 49ers aren’t satisfied with Zane Beadles on the left. Were the season to begin today, it’s looking like Garnett would be a reserve.

Like with all first-round picks, the deal includes a fifth-year option. Garnett earned the Outland Trophy as the best interior lineman in college football last season. A powerful run blocker with road-grading traits, Garnett could be a quality asset in Chip Kelly’s run-heavy offense.