49ers’ 2019 ‘Who Is?’ series: Left tackle Joe Staley

San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Joe Staley continues to play at a high level despite being well into his 30s. What does the upcoming 2019 season hold for him?

Veteran left tackle Joe Staley and the San Francisco 49ers no longer have to worry whether or not the soon-to-be 35 year old will dip his toes into the free-agent market in 2020.

The Niners inked Staley to a two-year contract extension earlier this offseason, ensuring the team would retain its longest-tenured member and put off any worries about needing a replacement anytime soon.

True, San Francisco would like to believe it has Staley’s eventual replacement, right tackle Mike McGlinchey, in place. But having both on the field for the foreseeable future is about as good a situation it gets for head coach Kyle Shanahan and Co. entering 2019.

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The six-time Pro Bowler might not be playing at quite the level he was at during his heyday years. But Staley’s level of production is still vastly superior to a lot of the other options the Niners could have pursued, especially if Staley hit the open market a little less than a year from now.

With that said, is there an actual chance Staley gets even better in 2019?

Why Joe Staley Improves in 2019

One could argue Staley was snubbed for the Pro Bowl last season. He did, after all, record an 82.2 overall grade in 2018, per Pro Football Focus, which ranked sixth among all eligible tackles. That’s elite level right there.

And while Staley allowed four sacks on the season — tied for second most among all Niners — his PFF pass-blocking grade was an excellent 83.8.

It’s going to be hard for Staley to improve on those numbers, and that’s not exactly a bad thing. His production is already at an extremely high level despite his age.

That said, Staley should enjoy the comfort of knowing he’ll likely retire with the team. And the fact San Francisco is carrying over all five of its 2018 offensive line starters in their same roles entering this season should do Staley some good, too.

Perhaps 2019 winds up being even better.

Why Joe Staley Regresses

There’s really no bona fide reason to suggest Staley is due for a regression aside from the age factor. The fact he missed a Pro Bowl nod a year ago is nearly wiped away by the fact he earned his sixth back in 2017.

Barring injury, he’s still on course to be considered a candidate in 2019.

But the age-regression factor is something to watch. It’s a steep cliff going from an aging veteran to someone on the decline. And while Staley has managed to buck this trend well into his 30s, it at least has to be mentioned as a possibility.

Projected Role and Impact with the 49ers in 2019

There’s not too much to it, really. Staley is the shoo-in starter at left tackle and the anchor for head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offensive line.

As with many established veterans, the Niners will limit Staley’s exposure and reps during both training camp and the preseason. He doesn’t have anything to prove, and the need to keep him fully healthy and rested for the regular season is vital.

Health is going to be a factor, of course. But it’s fortunate Staley has remained relatively healthy at this stage of his career, missing just four regular-season games dating back to 2011. That’s impressive.

Staley will remain one of San Francisco’s better pass blockers, and there isn’t much of a question regarding his run-blocking skills.

Simply put, Staley is arguably one of the team’s few Pro Football Hall of Fame candidates, currently, which tells you all you need to know about what his role is expected to be in 2019.

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