The 49ers has some question marks on the offensive line. They have solid starters in LT Joe Staley, C Eric Heitman and RG Chilo Rachal but questions loom at the starting LG and starting/backup RT position. Starting left guard David Baas has been missing a lot of training camp and playing time in the preseason with injuries and it leads one to wonder about the depth on the 49ers offensive line. The right tackle position, however, is a much bigger question mark.

Veteran OT Marvel Smith announced his retirement three days ago after failing to beat Snyder out for the starting job at right tackle. Smith felt that he could no longer perform at the level he required of himself. I was at first bothered by the fact that he retired after giving us some hope in training camp and the preseason, but now I’m just looking at it as a guy who’s body has betrayed him. Smith was just 31 years old and I imagine facing the decision himself was very hard. So after wishing him the best, what are the 49ers left with?

Currently the 49ers have Barry Sims backing up at LT and they also have three guys in Jacob Bender, Matt Spanos and Joe Toledo, all of whom four days ago had just about zero chance to make the roster. Now each of the three are likely gearing up for a good showing in San Diego for that final push for the fight for 53. However, I believe the ‘Niners option at backup RT isn’t in either of the three.

The option is likely RT Alex Boone, a monster of a man who played his college ball with Ohio State and was a good contributor throughout his college career. The 49ers signed him as a undrafted free agent this offseason. Many are of the opinion that Boone would have been drafted if not for his off-the-field issues (which includes jumping on car hoods, yanking a tow truck cable, breaking windows and getting  tasered)but because of them fell out of the draft. He shows high potential, but questions loom as far as his readiness is concerned.

Another option would be to pick up a veteran in free agency, but the 49ers haven’t been reported to be looking. They did release QB Damon Huard today and may soon be in the market, but word is they’re not interested in many of the guys including Levi Jones, who wants to start. Now, I know I’m not the only one wishing the team would go out and get Kwame Harris am I?

That’s a joke, of course, Harris still leaves a sour taste in my mouth as a 49ers fan when I even think of offensive tackles. Another option would be for the team to simply wait a week and test out their current players. Teams must make the cut to 53 from 75 next week and when this happens roughly 600 more players will be looking for work. Perhaps the 49ers’ front office can find themselves an offensive tackle once cuts are made.

The last, and maybe most intriguing option, would likely be to try and set up a trade. The 49ers have two first round picks in next year’s draft, and many were of the opinion that the team made a huge mistake by not taking a tackle at any point in the draft. With two first rounders, maybe we can look into trying to get a tackle from a team that doesn’t need much help on the offensive line.

Whatever the 49ers do, they need to carefully consider their options. The team cannot afford to give up as many sacks as they did last season, though the numbers in the latter half of last year seem to have improved after Singletary and Shaun Hill took over, respectively. The line does look improved from last season, but QB Hill will have a hard time managing the offense if guys like Adam Snyder and David Baas are letting pass-rushers and lineman blow by.