While the San Francisco 49ers appear confident in their roster and depth heading into training camp, the team could still make one or two key moves before the 2025 season begins. ESPN's Aaron Schatz recently proposed one final offseason move for each NFL team, and for the 49ers, his suggestion wasn't to bring in a new player to bolster the roster. Instead, it was to sign right tackle Colton McKivitz to a contract extension.
McKivitz is entering the final year of his contract and is slated to become a free agent after the upcoming season. According to Schatz, the recommendation has more to do with the situation on the opposite side of the line than with a strong endorsement of McKivitz himself.
"The problem here is less right tackle McKivitz and more the fact that left tackle Trent Williams turns 37 in July," Schatz wrote. "He could decide to retire at any time."
Although Williams recently stated he has no intention of retiring soon, the future Hall of Fame left tackle missed the final seven games of last season due to an ankle injury and has yet to complete a full season during his tenure with the 49ers.
"It's one of them things to where I'm gonna do everything possible to play as long [as I can], and to put a good product of football out there, and then, when it's not going my way, then I'll know," Williams said. "But I could play until I'm 41. Who knows? But that is a goal of mine. I'm definitely not going to retire with some left in the tank."
Schatz isn't suggesting a lengthy or expensive deal for McKivitz, just one that helps the 49ers avoid a potentially challenging situation.
"McKivitz's contract ends after the 2025 season, and the 49ers don't want to be stuck having to replace both tackles at the same time," Schatz added. "So the wise thing to do is to give McKivitz a small extension, maybe a couple of more seasons."
Schatz acknowledged McKivitz's weaknesses but also noted the veteran offensive lineman has shown recent improvement.
"He's not a great tackle -- he ranked 52nd out of 66 qualifying tackles with an 85.9% pass block win rate in 2024 -- but he has improved in recent seasons," Schatz concluded. "An extension would also give the 49ers some offensive line stability."
H/t to Nathan Karseno of Athlon Sports for the find.