One might make the argument about how the San Francisco 49ers' third-round selection of former Kansas offensive lineman Dominick Puni in the 2024 NFL Draft convinced the front office it could find O-line gems in the middle and late rounds of the draft.
Whether or not that's a good and/or true thing is another matter, but Puni nevertheless exceeded most expectations right out of the gate, securing the starting right guard spot his rookie season and never looking back.
Sure, Puni's sophomore year might not have been as impressive as year one, although a preseason injury might've limited his movement a bit over the first half of 2025, and he certainly showed improvement once fully recovered.
Still, there's no doubting the former Jayhawk has turned into a reliable mainstay for the Niners, starting all 17 regular-season games in each of his first two seasons.
2026 might be the most critical for both him and San Francisco, though, at least in terms of the relationship's future.
Year 3 will be vital in determining Dominick Puni's trajectory with 49ers
Pro Football Focus handed Puni a respectable 70.2 overall grade last season, 25th out of 81 qualifying guards. And despite having a slightly lower grade than his rookie year (80.5), the 6-foot-5 lineman has nevertheless established himself as a well-above-average player.
Here's the catch, though.
Halfway through his rookie contract, the 49ers will have 2026 to decide whether or not Puni is worth what'll likely be a hefty extension a year from now. Currently, per Over the Cap, the Niners are already projected to be $35.1 million over 2027's cap limit, so they won't have the luxury of simply giving Puni whatever he wants. And with OTC valuing the lineman's 2025 efforts at a shade over $12 million, it's safe to say he can ask for a hefty amount.
All depending on how 2026 goes before his extension eligibility kicks in.
Complicating matters is the fact San Francisco has rarely prioritized paying guards hefty money. Former 49ers left guard Laken Tomlinson might be the lone exception, and the vast majority of interior blockers have fallen into a one-contract type role in the Bay Area before departing.
Puni might change that narrative, although any upper-echelon play might convince the Niners he's ultimately priced himself out of their comfort range, prompting the franchise to simply let him play out the final year of his rookie deal before cashing in on a lucrative free-agent contract elsewhere.
On the opposite end, which seems unlikely, Puni might regress tremendously and force San Francisco to explore contingent options, likely resulting in a similar outcome, albeit without the free-agent deal elsewhere on the other side.
Perhaps San Francisco would like something in the middle; Puni doesn't outplay his value but is above average enough to remain affordable and serviceable.
Either way, 2026 will say a lot.
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