The San Francisco 49ers are signing former New England Patriots offensive tackle Vederian Lowe to a two-year deal with a max value of $12 million. The deal guarantees Lowe $5.75 million.
Lowe was a sixth-round pick out of the 2022 NFL Draft. He’s started 25 games in his career, including 10 last season. Lowe started the final four games of the regular season at left tackle while rookie Will Campbell was injured.
Lowe had a blown block rate of 6.3 percent last season in 288 snaps. That was the sixth-highest among all offensive linemen in the NFL. Lowe also allowed three sacks in limited action.
This is the 49ers prioritizing offensive tackle over left guard. Lowe, 26, has experience at left tackle. Spencer Burford, 25, has experience at guard. This contract seems like the Niners went with Lowe over Burford, who also had an extremely high blown block rate last season at 5.7 percent.
In the event the 49ers don’t work out a deal with Trent Williams, Lowe gives them an emergency option if they can’t find a starter in the NFL Draft. Patriots fans will tell you that Lowe is an excellent backup or spot starter. After watching Campbell during the playoffs, some questioned whether Lowe would remain with the team.