The San Francisco 49ers didn’t wait for the free agency frenzy to kick off before making a move. Instead, they took care of business early, re-signing offensive tackle Austen Pleasants to a one-year deal reportedly worth around $1.75 million. It’s not the kind of transaction that lights up your phone with breaking news alerts, but it’s the type of smart, foundational move that playoff-caliber teams make to stay in the hunt.
Pleasants was an exclusive rights free agent, which means the 49ers had the upper hand in negotiations. For players in that category, the options are limited: take the deal or sit out. It’s a common mechanism that allows teams to retain young, developing talent without breaking the bank - and that’s exactly what San Francisco did here.
Pleasants’ journey to this point has been anything but flashy. Before last season, his NFL experience was minimal - a few appearances here and there, with limited snaps.
But when injuries hit the offensive line late in the year, Pleasants got his shot. And he didn’t just fill in - he held his own.
He ended up appearing in 15 games, logging the most snaps of his career. When All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams missed time, Pleasants was the next man up.
That kind of trial by fire can go sideways quickly in the NFL, but Pleasants showed he could handle the pressure. Whether it was holding the edge in pass protection or getting downhill in the run game, he showed enough to earn the trust of the coaching staff.
That trust matters - especially when you consider how crucial swing tackles have become in today’s game. With 17 regular-season games and the physical toll that comes with trench warfare every week, offensive line depth isn’t just a luxury anymore; it’s a necessity. Teams that can plug in a backup without overhauling the scheme are at a huge advantage, and that’s where Pleasants fits in.
He’s not pushing Trent Williams or Colton McKivitz for a starting role, but his versatility and readiness to step in at either tackle spot gives the 49ers flexibility - and peace of mind. Coaches love guys who don’t require the game plan to be rewritten when they enter the lineup. Pleasants proved he can be that guy.
From a cap perspective, the deal is a no-brainer. At $1.75 million, there’s minimal financial risk, but potentially high reward if injuries strike again. For a team with championship aspirations, keeping the offensive line intact - and prepared - is just as important as having playmakers on the outside.
This move won’t dominate the offseason headlines, but it says a lot about how the 49ers are approaching roster construction. They’re not just chasing splashy names - they’re making sure the foundation is solid first. Signing Pleasants is a quiet, calculated step toward ensuring the offense stays upright and efficient, no matter who’s in the huddle.
In a league where depth can make or break a season, this is the kind of move that could pay off in January - even if it doesn’t make waves in February.