The 49ers may start training camp without guard Alex Boone because they haven’t given him the new contract he desires, but it’s not because they are opposed to contract extensions in general.
In fact, they announced one for another member of the offensive line on Thursday. The team announced that they have reached agreement with left tackle Joe Staley on a two-year extension that will keep him in San Francisco through the 2019 season.
Staley was already signed through the 2017 season with salaries escalating from the $2.7 million he is set to make this season. There’s no word on the new financial terms of the deal, but it is probably a good bet that Staley will be paid more in line with his production after being set to make less than tackles like Will Beatty of the Giants in the 2014 season.
“In today’s NFL, it is rare for a player to play his entire career with one team,” 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement from the team. “With this extension, Joe will likely be a 49er for life. He is a three-time All-Pro and core member of our football team. His commitment and professionalism have been great assets to our team and our community. This extension reflects our philosophy of investing in our core players.”
With extensions done for Staley and quarterback Colin Kaepernick, the 49ers are now free to turn their attention to an extension for wide receiver Michael Crabtree or guard Mike Iupati if that’s in their plans. They could also rework deals for Boone and disgruntled tight end Vernon Davis or get moving on an extension for linebacker Aldon Smith, who is signed through 2015 after the team exercised the fifth-year option on his rookie deal.