49ers would be smart to extend these 3 players’ contracts ASAP
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers Offensive Lineman Daniel Brunskill
Offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill has outplayed his annual contract value of $850,000. Even if one chooses to relegate him to being nothing more than a high-quality backup, his versatility and reliability are certainly worthy enough to command at least $3 million per season.
It’s likely the Niners don’t extend another one of their veteran linemen, left guard Laken Tomlinson, whose current deal expires in 2022 and carries three voided years to spread out his signing bonus. But even if San Francisco elects to retain Tomlinson, ensuring Brunskill sticks around and is properly compensated is a smart move.
The primary reason why is the slow development of rookie offensive guard Aaron Banks.
Banks was given every chance to seize the starting right guard job from Brunskill during training camp and the preseason, but the former second-round NFL Draft pick out of Notre Dame hasn’t come close to doing so. And while it’s still early, Banks is starting to carry the risk of being labeled the 49ers’ latest draft bust.
If Banks flames out, and paired with the lack of depth along the offensive line right now, retaining Brunskill becomes an even greater priority.
Fortunately, Brunskill is a restricted free agent in 2022, giving the Niners a bit more contractual control.
But to reward Brunskill, getting him under contract for the next two years would be a wise move.