As the San Francisco 49ers gear up for the 2025 NFL season, the team is facing a pivotal moment in its offensive line strategy. With training camp on the horizon, ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz recently suggested a surprising move for the 49ers: securing right tackle Colton McKivitz with a contract extension. This recommendation, however, has sparked debate among fans and analysts, as it comes in the shadow of uncertainty surrounding the team’s left tackle, future Hall of Famer Trent Williams.
The Tackle Crisis Looms
The 49ers’ offensive line has been a cornerstone of their success in recent years, but cracks are beginning to show. Trent Williams, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s premier left tackles, will turn 37 in July 2025. His age, combined with a history of injuries—including missing the final seven games of the 2024 season due to an ankle injury—raises concerns about his long-term durability. Despite Williams’ insistence that he has no plans to retire soon, stating, “I could play until I’m 41. Who knows? But that is a goal of mine,” the 49ers must prepare for a future without their star lineman.
On the right side, Colton McKivitz, a veteran offensive tackle entering the final year of his contract, has been a polarizing figure. While he has shown improvement in recent seasons, his performance remains underwhelming compared to elite tackles. According to Schatz, McKivitz ranked 52nd out of 66 qualifying tackles in 2024, with an 85.9% pass block win rate. Despite these shortcomings, Schatz argues that extending McKivitz’s contract is a strategic necessity to avoid a potential crisis.
“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.”
A Controversial Extension
Schatz’s proposal for a “small extension” for McKivitz—potentially a two-year deal—aims to provide the 49ers with stability on the offensive line. However, the idea of locking in McKivitz with what some are calling a “massive” contract has stirred controversy. Critics argue that committing to a player with middling performance metrics could hinder the team’s ability to pursue higher-caliber talent in free agency or the draft. Supporters, on the other hand, see the move as a pragmatic step to ensure continuity, especially given the uncertainty surrounding Williams.
McKivitz, a fifth-round pick in 2020, has steadily climbed the depth chart to become the 49ers’ starting right tackle. While not a standout, his improvement over recent seasons has earned him a degree of trust within the organization. An extension would signal confidence in his ability to hold down the right side of the line, but it also raises questions about the team’s long-term plans. Should Williams retire or suffer another injury, the 49ers could find themselves relying heavily on McKivitz—a risky proposition given his current performance level.
The Bigger Picture
The 49ers’ decision to consider an extension for McKivitz reflects a broader strategy of risk management. With a roster brimming with talent and Super Bowl aspirations, the team cannot afford to let its offensive line become a liability. Replacing one tackle is challenging enough; replacing both simultaneously could be catastrophic. By securing McKivitz, the 49ers aim to maintain a degree of stability, even if it comes at the cost of tying up cap space for a player who may not be a long-term solution.
The controversy surrounding this potential move underscores the delicate balance NFL teams must strike between immediate needs and future planning. While McKivitz may not be the flashiest signing, his extension could serve as a safety net for a team navigating the twilight of a legend’s career. As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on the 49ers’ front office to see if they follow through on this bold—and divisive—strategy.