San Francisco 49ers: 5 key storylines to watch in 2020 offseason
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: Who Gets Extended First, DeForest Buckner or George Kittle?
Remember the part about the 49ers wanting to take care of their own first before spending money on the open market?
DeForest Buckner was eligible for a contract extension last season, yet it never materialized. He’s now hitting his fully guaranteed fifth-year option, and the Niners would be wise to offer than extension sooner than later.
While his 2019 numbers were down from his 2018 Pro Bowl campaign, there’s little doubt he was an anchor for San Francisco’s stout defensive line, helping free up other players like Arik Armstead and edge rushers Dee Ford and Nick Bosa.
Yet the same argument goes for Kittle, too. He’ll be eligible for a contract extension this year after setting numerous franchise and NFL records on his four-year, $2.698 million contract for a fifth-round NFL Draft pick.
Needless to say, the Niners have gotten their money’s worth and then some.
According to Spotrac’s market value tool, Kittle is worth a contract in the range of four years, $45.87 million, averaging out to roughly $11.5 million annually.
If Kittle winds up having yet another massive season in 2020, it will be tough for the 49ers to pony up the kind of cash the All-Pro tight end could likely command on the open market when he’s eligible to hit free agency in 2021.
Needless to say, it would be wise for San Francisco to get both deals done as soon as possible.