49ers surprisingly extend Colton McKivitz, should still draft a tackle

The 49ers aren't going to let Colton McKivitz's contract expire after this year, but he also doesn't appear to be a long-term answer either.

The San Francisco 49ers are opting to keep right tackle Colton McKivitz around a little while longer.

On Friday, McKivitz's representative agency, AMDG Sports, announced that the 27 year old was receiving a one-year contract extension that would be worth $7 million.

Originally scheduled to hit free agency after 2024, McKivitz is now under contract with the Niners for the next two seasons:

Interesting.

McKivitz became San Francisco's full-time right tackle last season in the wake of his predecessor, Mike McGlinchey, heading to the Denver Broncos in free agency. That said, it's hard to argue that McKivitz was anything but the 49ers' weakest link on their offensive line.

According to Pro Football Focus, McKivitz had a modest 65.1 overall grade but also allowed a whopping 47 quarterback pressures and nine sacks during the regular season.

Because of this, seeking out a new long-term right tackle had to be atop the Niners' priority list for offseason needs.

49ers can still draft a tackle despite extending Colton McKivitz

There are some reasons why McKivitz's extension makes sense. While the details of the extension aren't fully known, such as guaranteed money, executing such a deal can help free up $1.656 million in cap space this year, according to Over the Cap.

And San Francisco does have a need to beef up its O-line depth.

Speaking to that point, this year's NFL Draft is being viewed as one of the best for teams in need of O-line help, and it's not hard to find mock drafts linking the 49ers to not only a first-round lineman but also multiple linemen throughout the draft.

Any of those presumed pickups could potentially challenge McKivitz for the starting job right away.

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