Next offseason could be fascinating for the 49ers. It’s still way too early to do a deep dive on next year’s free agency, but San Francisco has enough key players due for extensions or new contracts that it’s worth looking at going into the 2019 campaign. How some players perform this year will have an impact on whether they get a new deal, or what type of deal they get from the 49ers.
Here are the key 49ers players coming up on free agency or due for extensions next offseason:
DL DeForest Buckner
This will be the dominant story line throughout next offseason. The 49ers own a fifth-year option on the former first-round pick’s contract, but it’s entirely conceivable he holds out for an extension instead of playing on that fifth-year salary. Buckner could command top-end defensive player money, especially if he posts another double-digit sack season in 2019. His pending extension could wind up being a tone setter for how the 49ers front office handles their big-time contracts.
TE George Kittle
The former fifth-round pick will be eligible for an extension following his third season, but there’s a chance that doesn’t come until after the 2020 season when his rookie contract ends. This will be worth watching because another productive year in 2019 could mean Kittle is worth the biggest contract among NFL tight ends. With Jimmy Garoppolo on the books for big money, and a potential monster deal for Buckner, Kittle’s second contract with the 49ers will be fascinating to follow.
RB Matt Breida
Breida is entering the final year of his three-year undrafted free agent deal. This will be a subplot to keep an eye on in regards to his usage rate in a crowded backfield this year. He showed in 2018 that he’s capable of being an impact player in Shanahan’s offense. On the other hand, the 49ers’ head coach and running backs coach Bobby Turner have a history of maximizing talent at that position. They may try to bring Breida back regardless of his performance in 2019, but a big year could put him out of their price range, while a down year could make them hesitant to re-sign him.
DL Arik Armstead
There’s no doubt Armstead is an effective edge defender against the run, but his lack of pass rushing productivity could limit his value. The 49ers kept him on his fifth-year option, meaning he’s due to hit free agency next spring. Another year like last year could mean Armstead is in for a decent payday from the 49ers. His price could skyrocket and he could aim to test free agency if he produces more as a pass rusher. Either way Armstead will be a key cog in the 49ers’ defensive line rotation, and his play in 2019 will determine whether he’s a long-term piece of that front.
OL Joshua Garnett
Garnett is going into the final year of his rookie deal. The 49ers didn’t exercise their fifth-year option, so this season could wind up being his last in Santa Clara. In fact, he may not be on the final roster if he doesn’t earn a starting job out of training camp. It’s been a rocky first three years with the 49ers, and Garnett’s had trouble adapting to Shanahan’s offense. That makes the future uncertain even if the former first-round pick does make the club this year.
DL Ronald Blair
It’s been an interesting career for Blair, who finished last season with a career-high 5.5 sacks. He has 10.5 through three seasons. Blair is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has a chance to earn a multi-year deal if he continues to prove himself as a valuable reserve defender on the edge. He’s not in danger of becoming a primary edge rusher, but his motor and willingness to play that reserve role make Blair an intriguing player in the 49ers’ defensive line rotation going forward.
WR Kendrick Bourne
It’s a make-or-break year for Bourne who’s managed to hang around and be productive in a relatively lackluster 49ers receiving corps. It’s the final year of the former UDFA’s contract. San Francisco made big investments in their group of receivers this offseason though. Bourne emerging as a regular target in 2019 would likely earn him a long-term spot on the roster. Falling out of the rotation this year would likely take a multi-year deal off the table next offseason.
