BREAKING: San Francisco 49ers RT McKivitz Receives Extension

The San Francisco 49ers and right tackle Colton McKivitz have reached a one-year extension running through the 2025 season. The extension is worth a reported $7 million dollars according to his agents at AMDG Sports. The San Francisco 49ers were thought to be a lock to take a tackle in the first round of the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, but does this extension change their thinking?

McKivitz As The Starter

The 49ers employed  the 27 year old Colton McKivitz as their starting right tackle entering the 2023-2024 campaign. He proved to be a serviceable at the position as the 49ers made a run to the Super Bowl. McKivitz allowed 9 sacks and received a grade of 65.1 according to Pro Football Focus. These numbers are not eye-popping by any means, but it was good enough to get the 49ers to the Super Bowl. Look for the 49ers to add competition to the incumbent starter, as this is an area that they look to improve.

San Francisco 49ers Draft Plans

Almost every single mock draft that appears has the 49ers taking a tackle with their first-round selection. Do not let the extension of Mckivitz fool you, as this will still be the case. This is one of the deepest offensive line classes in recent memory, and the 49ers would be remiss to skip out on the opportunity. A rookie with that high of a selection would at the least compete and push Mckivitz for the job, or even better supplant him with superior play.

Many people are going to point to the extension as a sign that the San Francisco 49ers see Mckivitz as their starting right tackle for years to come. But this is not the case, as it was not a high dollar deal. The contract would be fair to that of a very good swing tackle, and if the 49ers draft a tackle early that may very well be what it turns into. A swing tackle is very important in the league, as keeping your quarterback upright is priority number one. This is a team-friendly deal no matter that is good for the 49ers no matter what direction they choose to go in.

San Francisco 49ers Free Agency Plans

The 49ers may find themselves in a position to upgrade or find some competition for McKivitz in the free agent market. The key to free agency is sticking with what the market dictates. General Manager John Lynch will keep a close eye on the market movement as it pertains to offensive tackles across the league. The 49ers are not going to break the bank chasing a big name free agent, but look for them to go after a proven veteran seeking a short-term deal.

With all of that being said, do not be surprised to see the 49ers sign a veteran or make no signings at all. It is all going to depend on what fits in the budget, seeing that the 49ers are not flush with cap space. Right tackle is an area where the 49ers could see significant improvement in the 2024 season from McKivitz or someone else.

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