There aren’t many guys who started 57 of their first 59 games for a perennial playoff team available on the open market come June. Of course, Shane Olivea’s run as a starter ended when he was benched in November but, still, he put in enough quality work with the Chargers to get a six-year deal in 2006.

He was released at the end of February by San Diego and drew some looks from the Jets before they signed Damien Woody to play right tackle. Even with a history of back problems and some of the shorter arms in the NFL, it’s surprising that Olivea hasn’t found gainful employment for the 2008 season. Well, it would be if he hadn’t found employment with a mystery team.

The 49ers, looking for depth behind Jonas Jennings and Joe Staley, inquired about Olivea’s availability recently but, according to the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat, were told that he’d already agreed to terms with another team. He’s expected to sign with said team in June, presumably after they cleared some cap space. If Olivea were a wide receiver I’d put my money on the Saskatchewan Rough Riders but he isn’t, which makes things much tougher.

Who could it be? Baltimore, Carolina, Denver, Detroit and Oakland all fit the bill as teams that might welcome some veteran competition for the right tackle spot but almost everyone could use some depth.