"Pro Bowl center Alex Mack, 36, has still not decided if he will retire or return to the 49ers for his 14th NFL season, a league source told The Chronicle," wrote Branch.
General manager John Lynch, speaking at the owners' meetings in March, sounded optimistic about getting his veteran center back but could not say for sure that anything was decided at that point.
"He's training like he's coming back," Lynch said. "I won't speak for him, but all signs are him coming back and being a part of us."
The Cleveland Browns made Mack the No. 21 overall pick in 2009. He has started all 196 of his career game appearances, playing through entire seasons 11 times, including his 17 starts with the 49ers in 2021.
"I feel good about him coming back," head coach Kyle Shanahan said in March, per Branch. "He thinks everything out, and he's got to go at his own pace. So he won't confirm anything for us. But I feel pretty good about it. I'd be surprised if he's not back."
Mack is a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time second-team All-Pro. He signed a three-year deal with the 49ers on March 18, 2021.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Why 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan still trails others among NFL play callers
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is widely regarded as one of the NFL's premier offensive minds. Yet, despite his reputation as an elite play caller, he still isn't considered the league's best. Daniel Rios of Essentially Sports recently ranked the NFL's top 10... -
49ers gem: NFL scouts still searching for the next Brock Purdy
To say San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy caught the NFL by surprise would be an understatement. As the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Iowa State standout entered the league with few believing he could become a franchise quarterback—especially after the... -
49ers still ranked top trade suitor for Maxx Crosby
The San Francisco 49ers could still benefit from adding a proven veteran pass rusher after finishing with an NFL-low 20 sacks last season. While there's no indication that the Las Vegas Raiders are actively shopping defensive end Maxx Crosby, there was previously a deal in... -
Report: 49ers exploring possible relocation of practice facilities
The San Francisco 49ers have invested heavily in their current practice facility in Santa Clara, California, which sits adjacent to Levi's Stadium and serves as the team's headquarters. However, with limited room for expansion, only so much can be done. It turns out, the...