In a nice change of previous pace, the San Francisco 49ers took care of a lot of notable contract business before OTAs this offseason. Tight end George Kittle and linebacker Fred Warner joined quarterback Brock Purdy in getting notable multi-year deals.
That leaves a situation where the biggest-name Niners are under contract for multiple years, then there are a lot of younger players who are not yet in line for their next contract. It's broadly a good situation to be in, with few big contract questions and few related issues looming on that front looking toward next offseason (and possibly the offseason after that).
It's a short list now, but these San Francisco players will have an eye on their next contract in 2025.
49ers who are playing for a contract in 2025
WR Jauan Jennings
Obvious, but true.
Jennings had a breakout season last year (77 receptions for 975 yards and six touchdowns), and he will be inherently driven to prove it was not a fluke this year beyond his contract status. The 49ers showed how much they valued him with a two-year, $15.39 million contract extension in 2024, then he delivered when opportunity struck.
It's possible the Niners get a contract extension done with Jennings before the season starts. But if he wants to bet he can further enhance his market value (which Spotrac has currently tabbed at $10 million per year) with another nice season, he may be willing to wait before seriously entering negotiations and/or subsequently be willing to hit the open market next March.
Jennings will turn 28 years old in July. So this might be his one chance at a noteworthy multi-year deal, and you can bet he knows it.
OT Colton McKivitz
McKivitz has started every game the last two seasons at right tackle for San Francisco. While it feels like he's easily replaceable (with some effort to add competition/depth behind him), with a section of fans and analysts who want him replaced and want to dismiss him, he was Pro Football Focus' 34th-best graded offensive tackle last season.
There's value in a reliably solid right tackle. The 49ers may not end up paying McKivitz what he could command on the market, but if he has another solid season in 2025, someone else might be willing to.
LB Dee Winters
Here's where we have to stretch a little, with Winters having two years left on his contract. Rookie Nick Martin will have something to say about it, in what should be an interesting training camp battle, but at this early stage the third-year man is penciled in as the 49ers' starting off-ball linebacker next to Warner.
If Winters wins the starting job, and he becomes a capably complete linebacker this season, he could lay the groundwork for the 49ers to give him a nice contract extension. In a broader sense, a full-on breakthrough season in 2025 will be a big step toward proving himself worthy of a notable second contract--whoever may be compelled to give it to him, whenever the time is right.
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