Jake Brendel

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The 49ers significantly overpaid for mediocrity, handing Jake Brendel a four-year, $16.5M deal that earns an F CVI rating. At $4.1M per year, San Francisco is paying above-average starter money for a center who falls into the unproven performance tier — a glaring mismatch that makes this one of the worst value contracts at the position. The guaranteed $5.0M provides Brendel with immediate security while handcuffing the 49ers to an underwhelming player who hasn't demonstrated he belongs in a starting role long-term. This deal reeks of panic signing after missing out on better options, as competent centers routinely command far less than $4M annually in today's market. The 49ers essentially mortgaged four years of salary cap flexibility for a replacement-level player, creating a significant roster construction inefficiency that could hamper their ability to address more pressing needs.

Performance Analysis

Jake Brendel's F performance grade reflects a well-below-average center struggling to meet starter expectations at age 33, marking one of the poorest showings among NFL centers this season. His primary strength lies in his durability, having appeared in 15 games and providing consistent availability for San Francisco's offensive line amid a position group that values reliability. However, his on-field execution has fallen short of even replacement-level standards, with the F grade indicating significant deficiencies in pass protection, run blocking, or both that have hampered the 49ers' offensive effectiveness. Despite his seven years of NFL experience, Brendel's current production suggests he's operating more as roster filler than the dependable mid-tier starter his $4.1M contract was designed to secure. The veteran center finds himself in a precarious position where his reputation for consistency and professionalism, built over nearly a decade in the league, is being tested by substandard play that could jeopardize his role moving forward. While the 49ers have been active in free agency adding depth pieces across multiple positions, Brendel's poor performance grade suggests the team may need to address the center position more aggressively to maintain offensive line competency.