It looks like 49ers center Alex Mack isn’t done quite yet. While there’s been no official announcement from the 36-year-old, general manager John Lynch on Monday said the club is expecting Mack to return.
Last season was Mack’s 13th in the NFL and Lynch told reporters the veteran hasn’t given any indication he won’t be back for a 14th year.
“He’s training like he’s coming back,” Lynch said via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. “I won’t speak for him, but all signs are him coming back and being a part of us.”
Having Mack for at least one more year would be a nice advantage for the 49ers when it comes to making picks in this year’s draft. OL Jake Brendel re-signed this offseason after spending last year as the backup center. He figures to be in the mix for the same role this season and could be the player the team has circled as a long-term replacement for Mack.
On the other hand, if Mack was walking away in 2022, the 49ers may be compelled to draft a replacement who’ll be under contract for four years. For now they can put that off since it appears they’ll have their starting center back.
With second-year quarterback Trey Lance likely making his debut as a full-time starter, having an experienced center will be a key for the 49ers’ offense. It’s always an important position for head coach Kyle Shanahan, but there’s an added layer of importance if a first-time starter is lining up at QB.
