Fooch's Update: Looks like it's Andy Lee.
This tweet could prove dated shortly after posting it, but what the heck:
Which @49ers all-pro will get an extension next? 1st person to respond correctly will get a football with his autograph.
— Jed York (@JedYork) May 23, 2012
If I'm reading this correctly, it sounds like the 49ers will be announcing a contract extension sometime soon. It could just be fun and games with a tweet, but I'll guess a contract extension will be announced shortly. The question is who will that be?
The two most logical candidates are punter Andy Lee and inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman. Both were first team all-pros and are in line for new deals. Lee is entering the last year of a six year deal that paid him $7.1 million. Considering Shane Lechler makes $4 million per year, Lee would seem worthy of some kind of pay raise.
Bowman is entering the third year of his four-year rookie deal and is scheduled to earn a base salary of approximately $490,000 this season. He blew up in year two and if he did get an extension, it would be interesting to see how they balance his huge year, with it only being one such year. It's a balancing act that can't be ignored.
Justin Smith is a dark horse candidate. He is signed through 2013 and is getting up there in age, but could still work out a contract extension. David Akers is entering year two of his three year deal as well. I'd be surprised if it was either, but they are possibilities. As for all-pro Patrick Willis? Well, he signed an extension in 2010 and re-worked the deal last year, so I wouldn't expect him to be the winner.