49ers sign Raiders' Sims

The 49ers’ backup right tackle is now the Raiders’ starting left tackle. And the Raiders’ starting left tackle is the 49ers’ backup right tackle — with a chance to win the starting job.

The 49ers agreed to terms Monday on a two-year contract with Barry Sims, 33, who spent the first nine seasons of his NFL career with the Raiders. Sims will be given an opportunity to compete against oft-injured Jonas Jennings for a starting role, said agent Ken Vierra.

“He was told he’d get an opportunity to compete for that job — nothing more, nothing less,” Vierra said. “No promises, no nothing.” Sims, whom the Raiders released earlier this offseason, chose the 49ers over the St. Louis Rams. He also took free-agent visits recently to meet with the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens.

The Raiders replaced Sims with former 49ers first-round draft pick Kwame Harris, who signed a reported three-year, $14 million contract as a free agent. Harris lost his 49ers starting job at right tackle to Joe Staley last season.

Sims started 119 games with the Raiders after arriving in the league in 1999 as an undrafted rookie. During his career with the Raiders, he won the starting left-tackle job over three first-round draft picks: Mo Collins, Matt Stinchcomb and Robert Gallery.

The 49ers moved Staley to left tackle this offseason. But Sims will have the opportunity to win a starting job at right tackle against Jennings, who has missed all or parts of 32 games in three seasons with the 49ers.

Coach Mike Nolan intimated recently that if the 49ers signed Sims, they would move rookie Chilo Rachal back to guard. Rachal auditioned at right tackle during the recently completed organized team activities because of the 49ers’ lack of depth at the tackle positions.

Although he did not reveal terms of the two-year contract, Vierra said the 49ers offered more money. He said it was also an attractive situation because he did not have to move out of his East Bay home to play for the 49ers.

“He had a great meeting with Mike and Mike,” Vierra said, referring to Nolan and offensive coordinator Mike Martz.

The 49ers have also signed backup tight end Delanie Walker to a three-year, $6 million contract extension, The Press Democrat has learned. Walker is now signed through the 2012 season. Walker received a $1.8 million signing bonus. He can also earn an additional $725,000 in incentives.

Walker has 23 career receptions in 23 NFL games. As the backup to Vernon Davis, Walker still managed to start 10 games last season.

The 49ers often opened games with two tight ends. In his second season, Walker caught 21 passes for 174 yards with one touchdown.

You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com