Alex Mack's abrupt retirement and the lack of salary cap space the 49ers have as they ride out the Jimmy Garoppolo situation has left the 49ers without much recourse to seek other options so far. Daniel Brunskill was also thrown out as a possibility for the position earlier in the offseason, but appears to be set at right guard for now. It remains a situation in flux and could be a landing spot for an older free agent like J.C. Tretter as we get closer to the season. Brendel has 250 career NFL offensive snaps to his name as a UDFA from the 2016 class. 

Brendel, 29, appeared in 16 games last season, but seemingly all of that work came on 70 special teams snaps and just six on offense. He was scheduled to hit free agency next week but will be back to compete for a deep reserve role.

The 27-year-old has made just four appearances since the end of the 2017 season. This will come close to putting his career on ice. 

Brendel was cut loose by the Ravens at the end of November, but he'll now get a shot with San Francisco to win a roster spot. He's bounced around since being signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2016, spending time in Dallas, Miami, Denver and Baltimore.