The San Francisco 49ers have a lot of players scheduled to become free agents in March. Guard Laken Tomlinson and defensive lineman D.J. Jones are among the more notable names. The 49ers roster was built to win in the trenches, and these often under-appreciated warriors are a big reason for their success this season.
It sounds like both would love to return. However, the NFL is a business, so you never know. Jones and Tomlinson have to be a priority, though.
"It was special. It was a special year, and hopefully, I can come back and continue," Jones told reporters via a lengthy Monday Zoom press conference that included 16 players.
While Jones would love to stay, he admits that he hasn't received word of any contract extension talks just yet.
"No, sir. As simple as that," the always respectful Jones told reporters when asked if anything was in the works. "No, sir. I don't believe they've talked just yet, but [I hope they will] sooner than later."
Tomlinson also hasn't received word of an impending deal. However, like Jones, he would love to stay in Santa Clara—his home since the 49ers traded for him before the 2017 season.
"I love it here," Tomlinson said. "I kind of watched myself develop into the man, the player, the husband, and the father, the character that I am today, and it all started with getting traded here to the 49ers. I owe a lot of thank yous to a lot of people that had faith in me here.
"I would love to stay, but I know it's a business, and we'll just see what happens. But I love it here, I always loved it here, and everyone's been great to me here."
With that out of their hands, for now, all each player can do is work hard to prepare for next season, wherever they end up. This season ended two wins short of their goal. So they will devote this offseason to getting better, despite both players already playing at a high level.
"To be honest, I feel like I'm always my biggest critic," Jones said. "I feel like there's plays out there for myself that I could have made to help the team win. I'm going to continue working on my pass rush [and] run game. I'm going to train harder than I ever have to prepare for this next season."