The 49ers could be staying in house to find Mike McGlinchey’s replacement.
On Thursday, the team announced a two-year contract extension for Colton McKivitz, who could slot in at right tackle if McGlinchey exits free agency. NFL teams can start negotiating with free agents on Monday and the league year resets at 1 p.m. PT on Wednesday.
McKitvitz, 26, started in Week 4 for an injured Trent Williams at left tackle before leaving with an MCL injury, but mostly rode the bench for the 49ers in his third season after being picked in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
McGlinchey is expected to get a long-term deal outside of the 49ers’ price range on the open market, as San Francisco has some bigger priorities like inking defensive end Nick Bosa to a big extension. San Francisco could also go for a tackle in the upcoming draft.
It’s possible the 49ers could still seek another right tackle option via free agency, as they’ll have a $237.5 million salary after adjustments in 2023, the third-highest total in the league.
