The 49ers on Friday agreed to an extension with right tackle Colton McKivitz according to McKivitz’s agency AMDG Sports. The one-year deal worth up to $7 million shouldn’t preclude San Francisco from prioritizing its offensive line this offseason.
McKivitz started all 17 games at right tackle for the 49ers last season and for the most part acquitted himself well. There were ups and downs, to be sure, but there was never any danger of him losing his starting spot. And that’s sort of the problem.
San Francisco may have decided McKivitz earned another shot at the starting RT job, but last season it was given to him. There was never any real competition. Adding another high-caliber tackle via the draft gives the 49ers options they didn’t have last season.
First, another starting-quality tackle means the 49ers have real depth up front to insulate themselves from injury. Even if McKivitz gets beaten out he’s still a valuable depth piece as a swing tackle. If he doesn’t, the 49ers have a good prospect waiting in the wings.
Adding another tackle could also afford the 49ers the flexibility to move McKivitz inside to right guard where he was originally expected to play when they selected him in the fourth round of the 2020 draft. Considering the 49ers could also use an upgrade at right guard, this is certainly on the table.
Of course there’s also the chance that the 49ers prize versatility above all else and they’ll select an offensive lineman or two that shares that trait. That way McKivitz and the new OL can mix and match to determine where they’re best suited on San Francisco’s offensive line.
Free agency is also an option for the 49ers, but given their cap situation it’s hard to imagine they’re going to shell out big money on an offensive lineman they’re sure can start for them.
Ultimately McKivitz’s extension is a good sign for his chances of having a starting job this season, and his presence gives the 49ers some flexibility and options along their offensive line for the next couple years. They can’t cross offensive line off their offseason to-do list though. They still need to add competition for him at right tackle, competition at right guard, and ideally some higher-quality depth that expands their in-season choices in the event of an injury or poor play.
The 49ers are slated to pick No. 31 overall in this year’s draft, and in a deep offensive tackle class there should be plenty of options that allow them to check those boxes.
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