San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch spoke with reporters today via a Zoom video conference and discussed Joe Staley's future. The team has kept in contact with the veteran tackle, and is encouraged by what it has heard.
There has been some speculation that Staley might decide to retire this offseason, leaving the 49ers in search of an immediate replacement. That's assuming they weren't comfortable with one of the backup tackles on the roster.
Lynch and the 49ers are encouraged that Staley will play in 2020, though. The tackle remains in San Diego, which is where he typically spends his offseasons.
"We've kept in good contact with Joe (Staley)," Lynch said. "He's doing his typical routine down with his family in San Diego, working out. And we're encouraged.
"We've heard nothing that would lead us to believe that Joe's not going to play. So, we are encouraged with that. We'll see where that goes.
"That is something that each and every player, particularly as they get closer (to retirement), you give them that time that they need. But we are encouraged that Joe's going to be part of us going forward."
Staley is (hopefully) preparing to enter his 14th NFL season. The 49ers made him the No. 28 overall pick back in 2007.