San Francisco 49ers make veteran signing at position they surprisingly neglected in NFL Draft

The San Francisco 49ers didn’t really address the tackle position in the 2024 NFL Draft, despite it being their biggest need in the eyes of many.

But they added depth to that spot on Tuesday.

The Niners, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, signed veteran tackle Chris Hubbard to a one-year deal worth $1.375 million.

Hubbard has played in 94 games across 10 seasons, he has 58 starts to his name.

The 33-year-old has played four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and five with the Cleveland Browns. He spent last season with the Tennessee Titans, starting nine games before landing on injured reserve because of a biceps injury.

Hubbard has played the majority of his career snaps at right tackle. However, he has also played at the left side and spent time at guard. 

It is at right tackle, though, where he will be seen as valuable veteran insurance. 

San Francisco's starting right tackle Colton McKivitz often struggled in his first season in that role and was seen as somebody the 49ers may look to replace through a draft class rich in talent at the tackle position.

But the 49ers did not take a true tackle with any of their eight selections. Their two offensive line picks were spent on interior linemen in Dominick Puni and Jarrett Kingston. San Francisco believes Puni could have five-position upside, while the Niners have also expressed confidence that Kingston could play tackle as well as guard.

Hubbard will not have a clear path to a place on the 53-man roster as a backup to McKivitz. The 49ers also signed Brandon Parker in free agency and have Jaylon Moore, who is likely to be San Francisco's swing tackle. 

Still, with neither Parker or Moore having any guaranteed money on their deal, Hubbard does have a chance of establishing himself as the primary backup at both tackle spots and potentially even challenging McKivitz for starter snaps if the 49ers' oft-maligned right tackle fails to take a step forward in 2024.