The San Francisco 49ers have 14 potential unrestricted free agents who would hit the market when the new league year begins on March 10. Let's continue our countdown with a running back/special teamer who joined the Niners late last season.
An undrafted free agent who initially broke into the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys in 2011 out of Middle Tennessee State, Tanner spent three years with the Cowboys before going to Buffalo last October and then coming to the Niners on Dec. 17. He has appeared in 41 games in his career and has 56 carries for 149 yards and two touchdowns with nine receptiopns for 93 yards in 42 career games.
49ers career: After signing with the Niners on Dec. 17, he appeared in their final two games on special teams while adding practice depth at running back.
Argument for keeping Tanner: Who? Play nice. Tanner was only around for two weeks so he made no real impression but every team needs a grinder for depth, and Tanner was seen as a "physical playmaker" by the team, per his season-ending bio. He's relatively inexpensive and fits the description of a role player for a team that insists it's reloading, rather than rebuilding.
Argument for letting Tanner walk: Who? Exactly. The 49ers are "believers" in analytics, meaning lower-tier players are especially seen as so many widgets that are easily replaced by whatever comes up next off the assembly line. For what Tanner gave the Niners for two games, they can find in an undrafted rookie free agent.
A bold prediction: Tanner's brief two-game stay with the Niners and vagabond existence made enough of an intriguing impression on new coach Jim Tomsula that he is brought back for depth and special teams work.
