49ers, Bears Rumors: Olin Kreutz to San Francisco

Chicago Bears free-agent center Olin Kreutz may be closing in on a deal with the San Francisco 49ers.

According to sources with ESPN, the 49ers have a contract proposal in place for the standout offensive lineman. In contrast, the Bears reportedly have not offered a great contract to retain Kreutz, who has indicated he wants "respectable" contract to retire in Chicago.

Kreutz may be the best offensive lineman on the NFL free agent market currently, with his veteran experience and success, going to six Pro Bowls.

The Bears drafted Kreutz in 1998 and he has been one of the Bears most consistent lineman throughout his career, anchoring a line during some successful playoff runs for the Bears.

The 49ers are in desperate need of a center after losing David Baas to the New York Giants in free agency. Baas took over for Eric Heitmann at the center position, when Heitmann was lost to injury.

Acquiring Kreutz would give new 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh some experience on a young, developing offensive line.

Although Harbaugh is known for his quarterback development, his Stanford offense was built on using the running game to set up the passing game.

The offensive line will be key for the 49ers as they try to rebuild with their new coach.

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