49ers have taken proactive steps before free agency by signing an extension with up-and-coming starter McKivitz…

Colton McKivitz, the right tackle for the San Francisco 49ers, has secured a contract extension after an impressive first full season as a starter. His agency, AMDG Sports, has confirmed that McKivitz has agreed to a one-year extension worth $7 million, with 65% of the amount fully guaranteed.

Last year, the 49ers made the decision to let go of their five-year right tackle starter, Mike McGlinchey, in free agency. In his place, they promoted McKivitz as a cost-effective replacement.

The reigning NFC champions seem to be content with McKivitz’s performance in his debut season as a regular starter.

According to his agency, McKivitz’s extension will keep him with the 49ers until the end of the 2025 season. He started in all 20 games for the team last year. The contract is valued at $7 million, with 65% of it being fully guaranteed, as stated by his agency.

While it wouldn’t be surprising to see the 49ers invest more in their guard position this offseason, they have secured their tackles and center for the upcoming season. Trent Williams has confirmed that he will be returning for his 15th season, putting an end to any retirement speculation.

Additionally, the 49ers have re-signed Jake Brendel for the 2023 season. McKivitz, who is 27 years old, is expected to maintain his position on the offensive line for Kyle Shanahan’s team.

It is intriguing that McKivitz has chosen to forgo the opportunity of becoming a free agent in 2025 without obtaining more security. However, the West Virginia alum has worked his way up from being a fifth-round pick and spending his initial three seasons as a backup.

This mirrors Brendel’s career trajectory, as he spent most of his time on the bench until Alex Mack’s retirement opened up a promotion for him.

With Williams commanding a lucrative deal as a top-tier tackle, the 49ers allowed McGlinchey to depart for the Broncos, who offered him a contract with $52.5 million guaranteed, making him the third-highest paid right tackle. Previously serving as San Francisco’s swing tackle, McKivitz agreed to a two-year, $4.65 million contract extension with the 49ers just before McGlinchey’s departure.

McKivitz was ranked as a middle-of-the-pack tackle by Pro Football Focus, landing at 47th place last season. He showed more strength in run blocking than in pass protection, managing to hold his own throughout the entire season. In Super Bowl LVIII, Chris Jones put crucial pressure on Brock Purdy in overtime, going up against McKivitz. However, guard Jon Feliciano defended the young RT by shifting the blame to his replacement due to injury, Spencer Burford.

The 49ers are considering bringing back Feliciano and are also exploring the possibility of reuniting with Laken Tomlinson. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the San Francisco guard situation, the agreement with McKivitz secures the other positions on the offensive line.