The 49ers’ attempts to build depth along their offensive line continued Tuesday when they announced the signing of Ben Garland.
Garland is familiar with head coach Kyle Shanahan, who was the Falcons offensive coordinator when Garland was promoted to their active roster in December 2015. He spent the next three seasons in Atlanta.
The former undrafted rookie out of the Air Force Academy has had an intriguing NFL career. He was signed by the Broncos in 2010, but went on the Reserve/Military List to serve two years in the military. He spent 2012 and 2013 on the practice squad before making his debut in 2014 when he played in eight games as a defensive lineman.
The Falcons signed him the following year and stored him on the practice squad until the middle of December. He didn’t appear in any games that first season with Atlanta.
Garland’s versatility stood out over the next three years as the defensive lineman flipped between the offensive and defensive fronts. He played in 46 games total, including 14 as an offensive lineman.
San Francisco announced the signing as an acquisition on the offensive line. That makes sense given their need for depth there more than their need for depth on the defensive front. Garland has good size at 6-5, 308 pounds and enough athleticism to play both sides of the ball. It’s conceivable that commitment to one side of the line will help the 31-year-olds’ development.
The 49ers only inked him to a one-year deal, and his roster spot is far from guaranteed. However, with such a thin group on the offensive line, it’s not out of the realm of possibilities that Garland winds up battling for a spot.
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