The 49ers have signed guard Jonathan Cooper, according to a team press release. It’s a one-year deal for the former Cowboys lineman. 
“Having started 27 games in four NFL seasons, Jonathan brings great experience to the interior of our offensive line,” said GM John Lynch in a press release. “We look forward to him competing for a starting job at guard, while also bringing a veteran presence to our locker room. Jonathan is a welcome addition to our team.”
Cooper was selected No. 7 overall by the Cardinals in the 2013 draft. At UNC, Cooper was a three-time All-ACC player and earned a First-Team All-American selection in his senior year. Things did not go according to plan at the next level, however, and he has since spent time with the Patriots, Browns, and Cowboys. He had a bounce back year in Dallas, however, as he started each of the Cowboys’ final 13 games at left guard.
Cooper graded out as the No. 35 guard in the NFL last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Last year, Laken Tomlinson was the only full-time guard on the Niners to place higher.
Well I guess if anything else he is a decent back up. Hope we draft a Guard or Garnett comes back looking good
Well this is the most signings we have done in free agency as long as I can remember.
What about last year? Think we made a lot last year too. Feel like we are a lot closer to being a contender now though with last years signing and this year. Should be a fun year of these signing work out.
Considering each team primarily has two starting guards, and there are 32 NFL teams, that means there would be roughly 64 starting guards..
With Cooper grading out as the 35th guard last year, that means he’s roughly right around league average.
A league averase guard, with a solid pedigree and possible untapped talent, meh..I’ll gladly take it as a depth move…
The 49ers could certainly do worse than Cooper, and if Garnett doesn’t come back and perform well, then Shanahan can plug in Cooper, and the line should hold up well..
Big Joe, Tomlinson, Richburg, Cooper/Garnett, and Trenton should be a good enough line to provide Jimmy G. with ample time to operate successfully inside the pocket..
Jimmy G. also has a very quick release, and he excels at getting the ball out quickly, avoiding sacks..
Considering he did so well last year, with barely a little more than some veteran retreads and practice squad guys, I’d say Jimmy G. will easily continue to flourish behind this line…
The real question will be if the line will be good enough to help McKinnon, Breida, and possibly whichever RB the 49ers draft…BTW, hopefully it is Sony Michel..!!