Staley, three former 49ers among Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists

Former 49ers left tackle Joe Staley is among eight first-time eligible candidates to advance through the initial cutdown for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The Hall of Fame on Wednesday announced that a member of the newly formed modern-era players screening committee reduced the original list of 167 nominees to 50 individuals who remain eligible for the next induction class. In addition to Staley, the list includes the following former 49ers players: running back Ricky Watters, receiver Anquan Boldin and kicker Gary Anderson. Individuals who played their final games in the NFL during the 2019 season are eligible for the first time for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Those players include Staley, quarterback Eli Manning, running back Marshawn Lynch, guard Marshal Yanda, linebackers Luke Kuechly and Terrell Suggs, defensive back Earl Thomas, and kicker Adam Vinatieri. The final 50 includes the following individuals who return as finalists from the Class of 2024: defensive backs Eric Allen, Rodney Harrison and Darren Woodson; defensive linemen Jared Allen; offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Jahri Evans; tight end Antonio Gates; wide receivers Torry Holt and Reggie...