SANTA CLARA, Calif. — There 49ers might not have to find a replacement for left tackle Joe Staley just yet.
The six-time Pro Bowler, set to turn 36 in August, is working out this offseason as he typically would in San Diego, and has been in regular communication with the team, general manager John Lynch said Monday on a video conference call from his home.
Lynch made it sound as though Staley is leaning towards returning for a 14th season to make another run at a Lombardi Trophy.
“We’re encouraged,” Lynch said when asked if Staley will play in 2020. “We’ve heard nothing that would lead us to believe that Joe’s not going to play.”
Staley has not commented about his future publicly since the 49ers lost the Super Bowl in February, though he has two years remaining on the extension he signed before last season. There has been some speculation Staley might retire this offseason after dealing with a fractured fibula and finger last season causing him to miss a career-high nine games.
However, Staley returned from his injuries in December and played at a high level down the stretch and through the playoffs.
“We are encouraged that Joe’s going to be part of us moving forward,” Lynch said.
Staley’s status could impact the team’s plans for the draft beginning on Thursday, particularly with the club’s two first-round picks at Nos. 13 and 31. The team could take a tackle to groom under Staley before eventually becoming a starter, or find an offensive lineman that could play guard before shifting over to tackle whenever Staley inevitably retires. San Francisco last month released Mike Person after starting the last two seasons at right guard.
The team this offseason decided to bring back reserve tackle Shon Coleman, whom Lynch has said could develop into a starter, on a one-year contract. Second-year pro Justin Skule and Daniel Brunskill, who is expected to compete to start at right guard, would also be in the mix at tackle.
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