Earlier today, the 49ers announced that they have extended left tackle Joe Staley through the 2019 season. Staley’s previous deal took him through the 2017 season and the additional two years makes it likely that the soon-to-be 30-year-old will finish his career in San Francisco. Of course, there’s still more work to be done for the 49ers as tight end Vernon Davis and right guard Alex Boone are demanding new contracts. Staley declined to comment specifically on the two players who skipped the 49ers’ offseason program and did not attend the mandatory minicamp, but expressed optimism that things would work out.
“Speaking on those players you’re alluding to, they’re very, very talented players,” Staley said, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. “And speaking of Alex Boone, he’s someone that I have the upmost respect for, and really, really hope that we can play our entire careers together. He’s someone I have a ton of respect for. And want to see him here. “It’s his situation, and whatever he wants to get done, I have the confidence the Niners and him will work it out.”
While terms of the deal have yet to be disclosed, it’s possible that Staley’s contract could be designed to give SF a little bit more breathing room in the short-term to get deals done for others. In addition to Davis and Boone, the 49ers have extension candidates in wide receiver Michael Crabtree and left guard Mike Iupati. Iupati, a two-time Pro Bowler, could be in line for a big payday if he explores his options on the open market after the 2014 season. Crabtree should be in line for a hefty deal himself and as Luke Adams explained earlier today, the deals signed by Eric Decker ($7.25MM per year, $15MM guaranteed) and DeSean Jackson ($8MM per year, $16MM guaranteed) should be a floor for him. However, it might make more sense for both parties to wait until after this season to work on a new deal for Crabtree. After an injury shortened season, a strong 2014 could boost Crabtree’s haul and give SF more confidence in offering a long-term pact.
So, we’ll leave it to you. Which of these players (if any) will receive new deals before the start of the season?