The San Francisco 49ers have sent a clear message to their doubters, securing the future of their offensive line with a blockbuster contract extension for right tackle Colton McKivitz. Just one day after their season opener, ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported that the 49ers and McKivitz agreed to a three-year, $45 million extension, including $27 million guaranteed, locking him in through 2028. This deal places McKivitz among the NFL’s top-paid right tackles, tying for 13th in annual average value at $15 million per year and ranking around 30th among all offensive tackles, according to OverTheCap.
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McKivitz, a fifth-round pick by the 49ers in 2020, has been a polarizing figure among the team’s passionate fan base since stepping into the starting role in 2023 after Mike McGlinchey’s departure to the Denver Broncos. His early tenure was marked by scrutiny, particularly for his pass-blocking struggles. In 2023, Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked him 39th out of 137 offensive tackles in run-blocking, a respectable showing, but he allowed 27 pressures and nine sacks, drawing criticism for his performance in pass protection.
The spotlight on McKivitz intensified after a critical moment in Super Bowl 58 against the Kansas City Chiefs. On a pivotal third-and-4 from the Chiefs’ 9-yard line in overtime, a miscommunication on the right side of the 49ers’ offensive line led to a breakdown. McKivitz shifted to block defensive end George Karlaftis, leaving All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones with a clear path to quarterback Brock Purdy. Purdy’s subsequent incompletion contributed to the 49ers’ failure to capitalize on a golden opportunity, and many fans pointed fingers at McKivitz for the blunder. However, teammate Jon Feliciano, an active voice on social media, quickly came to his defense, clarifying that Jones was “not Colton’s guy” and redirecting blame toward guard Spencer Burford. Feliciano urged fans to ease up on McKivitz, highlighting the complexity of the play.
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Despite the Super Bowl controversy, the 49ers’ front office and coaching staff have remained steadfast in their support for McKivitz. His 2024 season showcased significant improvement, with only two sacks allowed and a solid run-blocking performance that earned him a PFF ranking of 37th out of 140 regularly used offensive tackles. This progress, combined with his work ethic and resilience, has solidified his place as a cornerstone of the 49ers’ offensive line alongside future Hall of Famer Trent Williams.
The extension comes after McKivitz played the 2025 season on a one-year, $5.85 million deal signed in 2024. Head coach Kyle Shanahan signaled the team’s commitment to McKivitz in July when discussing contract priorities, mentioning him alongside wide receiver Jauan Jennings as a player the 49ers hoped to retain long-term. McKivitz himself expressed a desire for a new deal last week, per multiple 49ers reporters, but remained professional, practicing and playing in the season opener without a contract in hand.
For a fan base that has clamored for a high-profile right tackle upgrade in recent offseasons, this extension is a bold statement from the 49ers’ leadership. It reflects their belief in McKivitz’s growth and potential to anchor the right side of the line for years to come. While some fans may remain skeptical, McKivitz’s improvement and the team’s investment suggest he’s ready to prove his critics wrong. With this deal, the 49ers are doubling down on their vision for a dominant offensive line, silencing doubters and setting the stage for a redemption arc in San Francisco.