Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

In the NFL, continuity is king for any team wanting to repeat success from one season to the next. For the 2013 season, the San Francisco 49ers will look to build on their Super Bowl season and will have a solid foundation with all five starting offensive linemen returning.

In 2012, San Francisco’s offensive line was the best in the NFL. You could also argue, aside from center Jonathan Goodwin, all of the offensive line was in the top-3 at their positions last season. Tackle Joe Staley is the undisputed fearless leader of the Niners O-line. He led the line at being the best at running blocking in the NFL by only giving up 15 rushes with negative yards (tied-6^th in NFL) and led the way on 40 rushes of 10 or more yards (ranked 2^nd in NFL). The O-line did gave up 41 sacks (tied-9^th in NFL), but they were still considered to be in the top-10 in pass protection in 2012.

One of the big reasons why the 49ers made it all the way to the Super Bowl was because of the success of the offensive line creating running lanes for the rushing attack and protecting the quarterbacks. Also, the 49ers were one of only three teams to have all five offensive linemen start from Week 1 through Week 17.

Having the same offensive linemen from the previous season return is one thing. But when they are as talented and young as the 49ers O-line, there is no reason to believe the running game and Colin Kaepernick cannot repeat their performances from last season.

Not having to worry about replacing a vital piece on the offensive line, either through the draft or free agency, allows the Niners front office to focus on the teams most pressing needs. In fact, general manager Trent Baalke will not have to worry about replacing anyone on the line until after the 2013 season. And that is only one player, Goodwin. Everyone else is signed at least through 2015.

Here is a breakdown of contracts for the 49ers’ starting five on the offensive line:

Guard Alex Boone

12/8/2011: Signed a five-year, $7.450 million contract. The deal contains $2.24 million guaranteed, including a $1.7 million signing bonus. Annual $50,000 workout bonuses are available throughout the contract’s life.

2013 salary: $950,000 (+ $600,000 roster bonus)

2014 salary: $950,000 (+ $400,000 roster bonus)

2015 salary: $1.2 million (+ $400,000 roster bonus)

2016: Free Agent

Tackle Anthony Davis

7/30/2010: Signed a five-year, $26.5 million contract. The deal contains $15.954 million guaranteed.

2013 salary: $1.3 million,

2014 salary: $1,073,600

2015: Free Agent

Center Jonathan Goodwin

8/3/2011: Signed a three-year, $10.9 million contract. The deal contains $4 million guaranteed, including a $2 million signing bonus and Goodwin’s first-year base salary. Another $1.8 million is available in incentives.

2013 salary: $3.7 million

2014: Free Agent

Guard Mike Iupati

7/30/2010: Signed a five-year, $18.25 million contract. The deal contains $10.8 million guaranteed.

2013 salary: $1.002 million

2014 salary: $1,600,500,

2015: Free Agent

Tackle Joe Staley

6/4/2009: Signed a nine-year, $43.66 million contract. The deal includes $18 million guaranteed. Another $3 million is available through incentives. An annual $200,000 workout bonus is available throughout the life of the deal.

2013 salary: $2.1 million

2014 salary: $2.7 million

2015 salary: $4.5 million

2016 salary: $5.4 million

2017 salary: $6.25 million

2018: Free Agent