San Francisco 49ers starting right tackle Colton McKivitz is a polarizing player.
On one hand, many fans see the soon-to-be 29 year old as the Niners’ weakest link on a questionable offensive line aside from All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams. Others, meanwhile, feel that designation on McKivitz is unwarranted, citing how the 2020 fifth-round NFL Draft choice out of West Virginia has steadily improved every season since taking over starting duties in 2023.
Either way, the upcoming 2025 campaign will carry massive ramifications for San Francisco’s starting lineman.
According to Pro Football Focus, McKivitz was responsible for just two sacks a season ago in contrast to the nine surrendered the previous year, which helps justify those who feel he’s improving.
Should that trend continue, McKivitz is going to be a name to watch in 2026, although that might not necessarily be great news for the 49ers.
Colton McKivitz aims to price himself out of 49ers’ comfort range
Last March, McKivitz had to pay close attention to how the Niners’ former swing tackle, Jaylon Moore, inked a two-year free-agent deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, one worth up to $30 million.
It was a life-altering contract for Moore, who previously had been no more than a spot starter and reserve, and it stands in glaring contrast to McKivitz’s own $5.33 million cap hit for 2025.
Needless to say, another strong season from the right tackle could and should result in a hefty payday a little less than a year from now. Yet that prompts another question: Will San Francisco want to shell out a Moore-like contract to retain its right tackle?
Likely not, unless the 49ers pursue a team-friendly extension at some point during the season. But, considering McKivitz is a third-year starter now and just watched his old friend, Moore, get paid, the former is probably interested in seeing what his value would be on the open market, especially if he matches the kind of performance shown last season.
And that could easily result in the Niners needing yet another new offensive lineman to replace him.
As for McKivitz, such a contract would be a life-altering one, and that suggests he should be highly motivated to perform amid the contract year.
