Alex

Boone

Boone told teams back in July he’s interested in unretiring. He was a starter from 2012-2017 but hasn’t appeared in a game since. 33-year-old Boone would add veteran depth for Baltimore’s stretch run if he signs.

Boone has not appeared in a game since 2017. We wish him well.

Coach Jim Harbaugh often referred to Boone as one of his seven “starting” linemen last season. The former Ohio State star played 172 snaps as a swing tackle and extra blocker in short-yardage packages. Right guard is vacant following Adam Snyder’s exit, and Boone is in the mix along with 2011 fifth-rounder Daniel Kilgore.

Originally signed as an undrafted free agent in 2009 after alcohol and conditioning issues killed his draft stock, Boone has played in all 12 games this season as a reserve after appearing in just one between 2009 and 2010. He should remain a reserve for the near future.

Rookie Joe Looney would be a more viable competitor if he wasn’t coming off a Lisfranc fracture. Daniel Kilgore will be a swing center/guard. Boone is tall for a guard at 6-foot-7, 328, but the 49ers are intent on putting their five best linemen on the field. Outgoing RG Adam Snyder (6'6/325) wasn’t much smaller.

Harbaugh noted that Davis is “standing out” in OTAs with improved footwork and “a big jump in his play.” Alex Boone has taken the early lead at right guard. “He’s doing a phenomenal job,” Harbaugh said. “There will be competition of course, but he’s doing outstanding.”

Beat writer Matt Maiocco questions whether there will even be a competition. The Niners let Chilo Rachal and Adam Snyder walk without a fight in free agency, and Boone is well out in front of Daniel Kilgore and fourth-rounder Joe Looney. From left to right, the 49ers’ starting front five projects to be LT Joe Staley, LG Mike Iupati, C Jonathan Goodwin, RG Boone, and RT Anthony Davis.

“When he gets out in space, he can get rolling, a bit like an 18-wheeler going down a hill,” Roman said. Undrafted out of Ohio State in 2009, Boone has solidified the one vacancy on the 49ers’ front line after converting from tackle. Pro Football Focus has rated Boone as a top-five guard for the majority of the season.

Adam Snyder won’t go quietly, especially with whispers that Davis wasn’t in the best of shape at the latest minicamp. Still, Davis wasn’t taken at No. 11 overall to watch from the sideline. Barrows thinks that Snyder will end up competing with Alex Boone and Barry Sims for the top backup tackle job.

Boone was listed as “questionable” in the first half, but remained absent after the break. Jeremiah Sirles will finish the game at left guard. It’s a huge concern for an already gutted line.