49ers left tackle Joe Staley hasn’t decided whether he’ll play beyond the 2019 season. General manager John Lynch on Monday told reporters he wants to ensure Staley stays in San Francisco if he does opt to extend his career.
Staley, 34, is entering the final year of his contract with the 49ers. He’s been with the club since they made him the No. 28 overall pick in the 2006 draft. He considered retirement after 2016, and last December committed to at least one more year with the club. His tone appeared to change when the team arrived for the start of its offseason program on April 15.
It doesn’t sound like there’s any movement on a possible extension given that Staley hasn’t made a decision on his future yet. The 49ers will have to at least give cursory glances at finding a replacement for him in the draft as early as this year. Whether they invest an early pick in the position could give an indication on which way they believe the veteran left tackle is leaning.
Lynch’s proclamation that they want to ensure Staley never plays a down elsewhere makes it seem as though an extension will be a priority at some point once the six-time Pro Bowler has made a decision about playing in 2020. That may not come until after the season when the then 35-year-old will have a chance to assess his physical well-being after another slog through the 17-week NFL schedule. If he does opt for another year, it’s unlikely to happen in any other uniform.
