Brendel returns, Alshaair and Moseley exit
Whichever quarterback lines up behind the 49ers' offensive line this season, there will be a familiar center snapping the ball: Jake Brendel.
Brendel, after testing the free agency waters, is re-signing on a fouryear, $20 million deal with $8 million guaranteed, the NFL Network first reported Tuesday.
After losing right tackle Mike Mcglinchey to the Denver Broncos' blockbuster offer Monday, the 49ers' offensive line wooed back Brendel from potential suitors, reportedly including a New York Jets franchise in the throes of pursuing Aaron Rodgers.
The 49ers did lose two starting-caliber players on Tuesday, however: cornerback Emmanuel Moseley opted to take his ACL comeback to the Detroit Lions (one year, $6 million), and linebacker Azeez Al-shaair is expected to sign with the Tennessee Titans, per ESPN.
Brendel started every game last season for the NFC runners-up, in succeeding the retired Alex Mack. It was Brendel's first full season as a starter, and he ended up hiking the ball to four different quarterbacks: Trey Lance, Jimmy Garoppolo, Brock Purdy and Josh Johnson, with the latter two both sustaining injuries in the NFC Championship Game loss at Philadelphia.
“It's pretty wild to look back and see the performance that came out of the offense (No. 5 in yards, No. 6 in scoring) regardless of the circumstances,” Brendel said as the 49ers cleaned out their lockers Jan. 31.
Brendel's deal comes a day after free agency negotiations opened big with the 49ers landing defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (four years, $84 million) from the Eagles.