Alex Boone reports to 49ers minicamp, may get work at RT

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Right guard Alex Boone ended his offseason holdout and arrived at the San Francisco 49ers' three-day mandatory minicamp facing the possibility of changing positions.

What he doesn't have, however, is the new contract he had been hoping to secure.

Not that Boone sounded too concerned. The 6-foot-8-inch, 300-pound lineman was in a jovial mood while talking to reporters and said he's eager to get back on the field.

"It always feels good to be back," Boone said Tuesday. "I'm just happy to be around the guys. Kind of been a little stir-crazy at home watching two kids all day."

Boone had skipped the 49ers' offseason voluntary workouts before taking part in the mandatory minicamp at Levi's Stadium. It marked the second straight year Boone has been a no-show. He didn't participate last year, reportedly because he was seeking a new contract. The 49ers eventually reworked Boone's original contract and signed him to a two-year, $6 million deal that expires after the upcoming season.

The 28-year-old, who has started 46 games over the past three seasons, had hoped to get another extension before the 2015 season begins. While there's still time for that to happen, Boone didn't seem too bothered that nothing has transpired yet.

"We're just playing football," he said. "That's all we're doing."

Among those to greet Boone upon his arrival was defensive lineman Darnell Dockett, who signed with the 49ers as a free agent this offseason. Boone and Dockett were bitter rivals while Dockett played for the Arizona Cardinals, so there was an obvious tension between the two men.

"It was kind of awkward," Dockett said. "We passed each other like seven times before we spoke. I asked him if he was retiring. We're good, we're on the same page."

Boone said he had no problems with Dockett and welcomed his new teammate into the fold.

"It's just like having any other teammate," Boone said. "You squash all the beef that you ever had. Obviously there was a lot there between him and I. It's just competition. What happens on the field stays on the field. That's how it has to be. If you take things personal or you take them off the field, then that's your problem. I don't and I look forward to him doing good things here for us."

While Boone has spent his entire NFL career at guard, he could be moving to right tackle. Anthony Davis, San Francisco's starter since 2010, abruptly retired last week, creating a void along the 49ers offensive line.

Coach Jim Tomsula said the team will initially go with veteran Erik Pears at right tackle while Boone could also figure in the mix. Pears has started 86 games in his 10-year career.

"Alex I'm sure at some point will get some work at right tackle," Tomsula said. "I really like Pears at right tackle. I liked the way he was moving. The biggest thing with Pears since he's gotten here is with his weight room, he's bigger and stronger than he's ever been."

Boone shrugged his shoulders when asked about the possibility of changing positions.

"I think there's going to be an opportunity for me to play football," he said. "After that it's up to the coaches and I leave the decision up to them."