BOCA RATON, Fla. – Tackle Anthony Davis’ potential return to the 49ers could be less rocky because of the turnover within the organization since he last suited up, general manager Trent Baalke said on Tuesday.
Davis has yet to submit the paperwork to be reinstated off the NFL’s reserve/retired list, but he has guaranteed he will attempt to return to the NFL this season after stepping away from the sport to allow his mind and body to heal.
Davis revealed his decision to sit out last season in June, leaving the 49ers without their starting right tackle late in the offseason. Some with the organization were upset that Davis waited so long to inform the 49ers of his decision.
“I do think that it’s something that is going to be addressed,” Baalke said at the NFL owners meetings. “(But) by having a coaching staff that’s new, everyone is starting on a clean slate. And anything that’s a hangover from the previous stuff gets dealt with a little differently.”
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Davis might also have to repair some relationships inside the locker room.
In a series of posts on social media in November, Davis was critical of 49ers Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Staley, in particular.
Davis, responding to a video of Seattle safety Kam Chancellor standing up Staley, wrote, “The safety shouldn't be setting the edge against the run. Period. That's almost disrespectful.”
Davis wrote later that he was holding Staley “accountable.” He added, “Cant (sic) be soft playing Oline, disrespecting the game.”
Following the final game of the season, Staley said publicly he would welcome back Davis to the team.
“Anthony is a terrific football player,” Staley said on Jan. 4. “I haven’t kept in contact with him this whole season, but if he’s ready to play football and ready to come back, we’d welcome him back. He’s a terrific football player and he brings a lot to the team. And a lot to the table.”
But how Davis is accepted back into the 49ers’ locker remains to be seen. Baalke said every player might have different feelings on the subject.
“That’s an individual-basis thing,” Baalke said. “I think everybody handles that stuff in their own way. Whether it’s written about you or you’re the one writing it. (It's) no different than a coach being criticized or myself being criticized.”
