The San Francisco 49ers are at a pivotal moment as they approach the 2025 season, with key decisions looming about their roster, particularly along the offensive line. While the franchise secured long-term extensions for cornerstone players like quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, and linebacker Fred Warner this offseason, one player’s future remains uncertain: right tackle Colton McKivitz. Entering the final year of a one-year contract extension signed before the 2024 season, McKivitz’s role with the team is under scrutiny, and recent developments suggest his future with the 49ers could reshape the team’s trajectory in unexpected ways.
McKivitz’s Evolving Role on the Offensive Line
Colton McKivitz has been a polarizing figure among 49ers fans. Often viewed as a serviceable but unremarkable placeholder, the right tackle has quietly solidified his position over the past two seasons. Since becoming a full-time starter, McKivitz has not missed a single game, showcasing durability that is critical for an offensive lineman. In 2024, he demonstrated noticeable improvement in both run and pass blocking, even if his performance wasn’t without flaws. According to ESPN, McKivitz ranked 52nd out of 66 qualifying tackles with an 85.9% pass block win rate in 2024—a statistic that underscores his middle-of-the-pack status but also highlights his progress.
Despite his inconsistencies, McKivitz’s reliability has made him a valuable asset on an offensive line that faces uncertainty. With star left tackle Trent Williams turning 37 in July 2025, the 49ers are bracing for the possibility of his retirement. Losing both tackles in the same offseason would be catastrophic, and the team currently lacks a clear succession plan for McKivitz’s role. This reality has sparked a surprising shift in perspective: ESPN’s Aaron Schatz recently advocated for the 49ers to extend McKivitz before he hits free agency in 2026, a move that could provide much-needed stability.
“The problem here is less right tackle McKivitz and more the fact that left tackle Trent Williams turns 37 in July,” Schatz wrote. “He could decide to retire at any time. McKivitz’s contract ends after the 2025 season, and the 49ers don’t want to be stuck having to replace both tackles at the same time. So the wise thing to do is to give McKivitz a small extension, maybe a couple of more seasons.”
A Shocking Turn: The Case for an Extension
The suggestion to extend McKivitz marks a significant departure from the narrative surrounding him just a year ago. Previously seen as a stopgap, McKivitz’s steady improvement and the lack of viable replacements have elevated his importance. The 49ers’ minimal investment in their offensive line this offseason—signing veterans Andre Dillard and Nicholas Petit-Frere, drafting guard Connor Colby, and adding undrafted rookie Drew Moss—signals confidence in their current group. However, it also underscores the absence of a long-term plan at right tackle. Extending McKivitz could be a pragmatic move to maintain continuity, especially as the team navigates the twilight of Williams’ illustrious career.
An extension for McKivitz would not only secure the right tackle position but also buy time for the 49ers to develop younger talent or scout for a future replacement. While McKivitz may not be an elite tackle, his durability and incremental progress make him a known quantity—a valuable trait in a league where offensive line stability is hard to come by. A short-term deal, as Schatz suggests, could bridge the gap until the 49ers are ready to address the position more definitively.
The 49ers’ Offensive Line Landscape
The 49ers’ offensive line is largely unchanged from 2024, with Jake Brendel returning at center, Dominick Puni holding down right guard, and Spencer Burford expected to step into the starting left guard role following Aaron Banks’ departure. While this group performed adequately last season, the lack of significant upgrades raises questions about the unit’s ability to protect Brock Purdy and open lanes for the run game. McKivitz’s performance in 2025 will be critical, as he must prove he can anchor the right side of the line and justify the faith that an extension would represent.
The additions of Dillard, Petit-Frere, Colby, and Moss provide depth but don’t immediately address the tackle positions. Dillard and Petit-Frere are veterans with starting experience, but both have struggled to establish themselves as reliable long-term options. Meanwhile, Colby and Moss are likely developmental projects, making McKivitz’s role even more pivotal in the short term.
What’s at Stake in 2025
For McKivitz, the 2025 season is a make-or-break opportunity. A strong performance could solidify his place in San Francisco’s plans, potentially earning him a multi-year extension and a chance to prove he’s more than a placeholder. Conversely, if he regresses or fails to build on his 2024 improvements, the 49ers may be forced to look elsewhere, risking further instability on an already thin offensive line.
The broader implications for the 49ers are significant. With their core players locked in and Super Bowl aspirations in sight, the offensive line’s performance could determine whether the team maximizes its championship window. Extending McKivitz before the season ends would be a bold statement of confidence, signaling that the 49ers believe he can be part of their long-term vision. It would also mitigate the risk of losing both tackles simultaneously, preserving continuity for a team built to contend.
Conclusion
Colton McKivitz’s future with the San Francisco 49ers has taken an unexpected turn. Once viewed as a temporary solution, he now stands at the center of a critical decision that could shape the team’s offensive line for years to come. By extending McKivitz, the 49ers could secure stability at a position that’s increasingly difficult to fill, especially with Trent Williams’ retirement looming. As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on McKivitz to prove he’s worth the investment—and to show that this shocking turn in his career trajectory is just the beginning of a new chapter for both him and the 49ers.