Colton McKivitz, the starting right tackle for the San Francisco 49ers, has quietly become one of the more polarizing figures on the team’s offensive line. While he doesn’t get the attention of stars like Trent Williams or Nick Bosa, McKivitz plays a critical role in Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system and is now at a pivotal moment in his NFL career. Entering the 2025 season, McKivitz is under contract through the end of the year thanks to a one-year extension he signed in March 2024. The deal was modest by league standards—one year, \$7 million total, with about \$4.5 million fully guaranteed. It’s a prove-it contract, a vote of confidence from the front office without committing long term. This structure gives both McKivitz and the 49ers flexibility, but it also sets up a high-stakes season for a player whose role is essential but often overlooked.
Drafted in the fifth round out of West Virginia in 2020, McKivitz entered the league as a developmental lineman with decent upside but without elite traits. He was never projected to be a franchise tackle or even a long-term starter, and his early years in the league reflected that. He bounced around between the active roster and the practice squad, occasionally stepping in due to injuries but never locking down a starting job. That changed in 2023, when the 49ers decided to move on from veteran Mike McGlinchey and handed McKivitz the reins at right tackle. The decision raised eyebrows around the league. Many fans and analysts wondered whether McKivitz had the athleticism and consistency needed to protect the right side in a Shanahan offense that depends heavily on wide-zone blocking, play-action passes, and pre-snap movement.
McKivitz’s first year as a full-time starter in 2023 was uneven. He struggled early against speed rushers and at times appeared overmatched by elite pass-rushers. But as the season progressed, he settled into the role and became a more reliable presence. He wasn’t dominant, but he was functional—something that matters greatly when you’re surrounded by Pro Bowl talent and need just enough consistency to keep the unit together. The coaching staff appreciated his work ethic, football IQ, and ability to improve from game to game. That growth and dedication led the 49ers to extend him in March 2024, albeit on a short-term deal. The extension included a \$3.32 million signing bonus, a 2024 base salary of \$1.125 million fully guaranteed, and a 2025 base salary of just over \$3.1 million, with additional incentives in the form of per-game active roster bonuses and a workout bonus.
Despite the structure of the deal, McKivitz remains something of an enigma. He’s not a household name, nor is he a liability. He exists in that gray area between being indispensable and replaceable, a space where many offensive linemen reside. For the 49ers, his presence is important because it allows them to maintain continuity along the line without making a massive financial investment. The team is already paying Trent Williams top-tier money and will soon need to address new deals for younger linemen like Aaron Banks and Jake Brendel. Giving McKivitz a modest contract was a strategic move that preserved cap space while buying insurance at a key position.
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes are on McKivitz—not because he’s the star of the offense, but because the success of the team’s offense may hinge on his ability to hold down the right side of the line. With Brock Purdy continuing to emerge as the 49ers’ franchise quarterback and Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle forming one of the league’s most dynamic skill-position groups, the need for clean pockets and solid run blocking is paramount. If McKivitz can elevate his game from functional to consistently solid—or even better—he could be in line for a much larger contract when his current deal expires at the end of this season.
Negotiations for a longer extension are reportedly on the horizon, though nothing concrete has emerged. Head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged in August that both McKivitz and wide receiver Jauan Jennings were candidates for in-season or early offseason extensions, but he also downplayed the urgency. “Nothing crazy is going on yet,” Shanahan said, signaling that while the front office sees value in McKivitz, they are still evaluating his performance before making a multi-year commitment. That stance reflects a cautious optimism—McKivitz has earned the team’s trust, but he hasn’t yet made himself indispensable.
From McKivitz’s perspective, the stakes are clear. He acknowledged publicly during training camp that playing for a new deal brings pressure. “It is a big deal… money is hard to not think about,” he said. That kind of honesty is rare in professional sports, where players often deflect contract talk to focus on the team. For McKivitz, the financial implications of this season are very real. At 28 years old, this could be his best—and perhaps only—chance to land a long-term deal that provides generational security. A strong season could push him into the range of other right tackles making \$12–15 million per year, especially in a league where offensive line talent is in short supply.
The market for right tackles has shifted dramatically in recent years. While the left tackle position remains the gold standard, the rise of edge rushers who line up on both sides has increased the value of strong play at right tackle. Players like Taylor Moton, Lane Johnson, and Braden Smith have reset the market in various ways, earning contracts north of \$15 million annually. If McKivitz performs well this season, especially against top-tier competition, it’s not unrealistic to think he could command a three- or four-year deal in the \$35–45 million range. That would mark a major leap from his current contract and would signal the 49ers’ belief that he’s more than just a stopgap.
Of course, performance will dictate everything. If McKivitz regresses or struggles with injuries, the 49ers could easily move on. His contract structure includes minimal dead money after this season, giving the team the flexibility to draft a replacement or explore free agency if necessary. That’s the reality of life as a non-star offensive lineman in the NFL—job security is always tenuous. But for now, McKivitz holds his fate in his own hands. He’s earned the starting job and the trust of a coaching staff known for demanding excellence from its offensive line. The next step is proving that he’s more than just a placeholder.
The 49ers, for their part, have been deliberate in how they build their roster. General manager John Lynch and Shanahan have consistently prioritized continuity, culture, and fit over big-name acquisitions. McKivitz fits that mold. He’s a team-first player, quiet in the media, and deeply respected in the locker room. He may not win many highlight reels or jersey sales, but his value lies in his reliability and his steady improvement. If he can anchor the right side while staying healthy, there’s every reason to believe the team will reward him with a longer-term deal.
There’s also the broader context of the 49ers’ window to win. With several core players either in their prime or entering the back end of their careers, San Francisco is firmly in win-now mode. That puts a premium on stability, especially along the offensive line. If McKivitz can provide that, he becomes a much more attractive candidate for a multi-year extension. Conversely, if the position remains a source of weakness, the front office could prioritize it in the 2026 draft or free agency.
Ultimately, Colton McKivitz represents the type of player every successful team needs—a mid-round pick who develops into a solid starter, accepts coaching, and does the dirty work without fanfare. His journey from the fringes of the roster to a full-time starter is a testament to persistence and growth. The 2025 season will determine whether that journey continues in San Francisco or takes a new path elsewhere. If he performs well, a multi-year deal could be on the table, and he could become a long-term piece of the 49ers’ offensive line. If not, he will still have proven that he can play in this league, and there will be interest from other teams needing a dependable lineman. Either way, McKivitz’s story is one of quiet resilience, and in a league full of drama and turnover, that has real value.
