Center Jake Brendel is Re-Signing With the 49ers

Retaining Jake Brendel strengthens the continuity of the 49ers offensive line.

Here's an excellent move by the San Francisco 49ers.

Center Jake Brendel is set to re-sign with the 49ers on a four-year deal worth $20 million with $8 million guaranteed, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Essentially it is a two-year, $8 million deal since the guarantees is the main factor in a contract. The 49ers get Brendel on a great number, and should feel fortunate as well. 

The #49ers are bringing back C Jake Brendel on a 4-year deal, source said. The #Jets made a push, but he's back in SF.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2023

Brendel was being courted by the Jets and was even being offered more money.Rather than take the higher sum of cash, Brendel elected to take less to remain with the 49ers. That speaks volumes about Brendel's comfort and happiness in San Francisco. He probably feels extremely grateful that the 49ers were willing to take a chance on him by being the one team to let him compete for a starting role. And boy, did the 49ers make an incredible gamble on Brendel. 

Filling in for former starter Alex Mack who retired was always big shoes to fill for Brendel. The odds were stacked against him given he had never really been a full-time starter before. It looked like the Brendel experiment would blow up in the 49ers' face more likely than not. But not only did it not blow up, the 49ers hit paydirt. 

Brendel ended up earning himself a nod to the Pro Bowl and it wasn't due to the fan votes. He earned it from the coaches and players, which amplifies how solid of a season he had. No one could've foresaw the solidification he would bring and now the 49ers get him back as he hits his peak. Sustaining continuity on the offensive line is critical for the 49ers with Mike McGlinchey leaving and placing a vacancy at right tackle. The less vacancies on the offensive line to worry about, the better. 

With Brendel coming back as the starter, this will make it the first time the 49ers will have had the same starting center in back-to-back seasons since 2018/2019. Every year it has been a game of musical chairs and that now ends going into 2023.