Fourth-year offensive lineman Spencer Burford is hitting a critical juncture in his pro career.
The San Francisco 49ers' fourth-round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft enters the final year of his rookie contract, but this comes after going from a once-promising first-year starter (16 games) to being classified as a seldom-used reserve, the trajectory of which can be followed from an infamous missed assignment in a crucial moment against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII to being relegated as a mere backup a year later.
Now, entering year four, Burford's immediate and long-term futures are very much in doubt.
True, the Niners did little to reinforce their offensive line during the offseason despite losing starting left guard Aaron Banks and swing tackle Jaylon Moore in free agency. Adding former Iowa interior lineman Connor Colby late in the 2025 draft before signing veteran tackle Andre Dillard not long thereafter won't move the needle much.
So, by that viewpoint, Burford still has an open shot to seize one of the handful of depth roles on San Francisco's regular-season roster.
It won't be given to him, though, meaning an underwhelming performance in training camp could lead to Burford's premature departure.
Spencer Burford's 49ers tenure is hanging by a thread
Perhaps the best chance for Burford to stick around into 2025 is to try to take over the starting left guard position after Banks' departure.
Burford primarily played on the left side during his collegiate tenure at UTSA, so that could work in his favor, although signs are pointing to the 49ers giving fellow lineman Ben Bartch primary duties in that spot.
If Bartch secures the job out of training camp, Burford's best hope is to land one of three or four reserve spots on the depth chart.
That won't come easy, though.
Should the Niners opt to move on, it'll only cost them $168,014 in dead money while generating a shade over $3.4 million in cap savings, according to Over the Cap.
From that vantage point, it'd almost make more sense to part ways with Burford instead of retaining him, especially if he's losing out on any camp battle. And to think, his landing spot this September could be anywhere from a starting job to off the roster entirely.
Needless to say, there's a lot riding on his future when training camp kicks off in late July.
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