Joshua Garnett


Joshua Samuel Garnett is an American football guard for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He played college football for the Stanford Cardinal. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round, 28th overall in the 2016 NFL draft. His father, Scott, also played for the 49ers.

High school career

A native of Puyallup, Washington, Garnett attended Puyallup High School where he was a three-time all-state lineman on the football team. In his senior year, he was named 2011 South Puget Sound League Lineman of the Year. After his senior season ended, Garnett participated in the Under Armour All-America Game.
Regarded as a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, he was ranked as the No. 2 offensive guard prospect in the class of 2012, behind only Jordan Simmons. He chose Stanford over scholarship offers from Michigan and Notre Dame, among others.

College career

As a true freshman, Garnett appeared in 14 games for the Stanford Cardinal, playing both guard positions and fullback. His first career start came against Washington State, as he became the first true freshman to start on the Cardinal's offensive line since Kirk Chambers in 2000. Stanford eventually also started freshmen Kyle Murphy and Andrus Peat on the offensive line. In his sophomore year, Garnett played another 14 games.
In his junior season, Garnett took over as left guard from David Yankey. He started 13 games on an offensive line that ranked 18th nationally in tackles for loss allowed, 42nd in sacks allowed. Garnett won the Outland Trophy as a senior in 2015.

Professional career

Pre Draft

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers selected Garnett in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
On July 29, 2016, the San Francisco 49ers signed him to a four-year, $9.30 million contract that includes $7.13 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $4.96 million.

2016 season

Garnett played in 15 games with 11 starts at guard as a rookie in the 2016 season.

2017 season

On September 2, 2017, he was placed on injured reserve after having knee surgery.

2018 season

After being unable to win the starting job from Mike Person and with Erik Magnuson filling in Garnett was left to sit on the bench. Garnett played in the season opener but then dislocated his toe missing 6 games afterwards. In practice on November 20, 2018, Garnett broke his thumb which sidelined him for the rest of the season.

2019 season

On May 2, 2019, the 49ers declined the fifth-year option on Garnett's contract, making him a free agent in 2020.
On August 31, 2019, Garnett was cut by the 49ers on the final roster cut down day.

Detroit Lions

2020 season

On February 3, 2020, the Detroit Lions signed Garnett to a one-year contract.