Signing a versatile and effective backup offensive lineman in free agency isn’t exactly a move that will make fans stand up and applaud.
But when the 49ers recently signed free-agent guard-tackle Erik Pears to a two-year deal, it could be a move that could pay big dividends in 2015 in a stronger running attack and better protection for quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
In fact, adding a player such as Pears was a must for the 49ers.
Back in February, Kevin Lynch of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote that adding a backup tackle was a big need for the team, noting that “Jonathan Martin struggled in that role last season.”
Pears, 32, has played 10 seasons in the NFL. He played tackle for his first nine seasons, then was the Buffalo Bills’ starting right guard in 2014. So, the 6-foot-8, 316-pounder could be a contender to earn the job at left guard now that Mike Iupati is gone, or to become the primary swing tackle to back up Joe Staley on the left side and Anthony Davis on the right side.
Pears, originally an undrafted free agent from Colorado State, has played for the Broncos, Raiders and Bills (since 2010). When healthy, he’s been a starter for Buffalo, at right tackle his first three seasons.
Pears, however, didn’t exactly shine at right guard. According to Pro Football Focus, as noted by Grant Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Pears had a minus-25.1 grade in 2014, the third-worst grade among all NFL guards.
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But in a reserve role, Pears may be an upgrade over Martin, especially as an extra blocker or as spot starter for Staley and Davis. Pears’ was graded as a much better tackle than guard by Pro Football Focus. In their final rankings for the 2013 season, Pears was rated 55th out of 76 offensive tackles.
And, that may be an improvement over Martin.
Martin – who still has a year remaining on his contract in San Francisco – often didn’t play well in 2014. In nine starts, he allowed five sacks and 19 quarterback pressures, according to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle.
