San Francisco has brought in a veteran depth option along their offensive line. The 49ers have signed Matt Pryor.
The 28-year-old first saw starting action in his second season with the Eagles, playing primarily at guard. He was then traded to the Colts in the subsequent offseason, giving Indianapolis depth both on the interior and at the tackle spot. Pryor responded with a career-year in 2021.
Working mostly at right tackle, the former sixth-rounder delivered a strong performance both in terms of run blocking and pass protection. That resulted in an overall PFF grade of 76.5, by far the highest mark of his career. It also earned him a one-year, $5.5M deal to remain with the Colts for 2022, a season in which expectations were high for the offensive front.
Nothing went according to plan for the unit, however, and Indianapolis struggled throughout the season to find consistency up front. Pryor contributed to those issues, seeing time at both tackle spots as well as right guard over the course of the year. His PFF ratings plummeted to career-lows, so it was little surprise the Colts elected not to bring him back. Instead, Pryor will now head to the Bay Area in the hopes of competing for playing time.
If he is used at right tackle, the 6-7, 332-pounder could be in line for at least a backup role. The 49ers, as expected, saw Mike McGlinchey depart in free agency, leaving a vacant starting spot as the bookend to Trent Williams. Guarding against the possibility, San Francisco re-upped Colton McKivitz, giving them a familiar option to take McGlinchey’s place. Pryor could be penciled in as an experienced swing tackle option, though his usage on the interior could also see him spend time at guard if necessary.
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