High-profile players such as Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson have made headlines for their contract negotiations this offseason, and more have skipped their respective team's voluntary workouts to make a statement. San Francisco 49ers tackle Joe Staley has gone about his financial business the opposite way.
The 34-year-old left tackle is entering the final season of a six-year deal signed in 2014. While contract negotiations with the 49ers have not begun, Staley said he is not worried about his future with the team.
“I've made it very clear to everybody that I want to play as long as I can,” Staley said this week, per the Sacramento Bee. “I still love the game, still feel like I can play at a high level. Still feel like I'm valued on the football team. I know it's my last year under contract, but I'm not worried about that. I'm just going to go out there and try and do everything I can to help us win games with this team.
Staley will earn $8.75 million and count $11 million against San Francisco's cap in 2019, making him the 16th highest-paid left tackle this season.
Staley has proven to be a reliable presence, missing just four regular-season games since 2011. The 49ers drafted a bookend in Mike McGlinchey last season, but depth on the line is still an issue, improving Staley's case for a new deal with general manager John Lynch. The team currently employs Shon Coleman, Christian DiLauro and Daniel Brunskill as backups.
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