This offseason, we've seen the San Francisco 49ers exercise their fifth year option on safety Eric Reid, and negotiate a contract extension with defensive lineman Quinton Dial. Both were members of the 2013 draft class, which could begin negotiating new deals this offseason. For the 49ers, that group also includes Tank Carradine, Vance McDonald, Corey Lemonier, and Quinton Patton. It is unlikely that any of that remaining group is extended this offseason, but I suppose a strong start to the 2016 season could maybe get negotiations moving with some of them.
This offseason also allows the 49ers to start negotiations with 2014 undrafted free agents. Drafted players have to wait three full seasons before they can negotiate contract extensions, but undrafted free agents only need to wait two years. For the 49ers, that includes L.J. McCray.
With that in mind, I thought I would put together a list of players who will be eligible for an extension starting next offseason. This covers 2014 draft picks and 2015 undrafted free agents. Jimmie Ward has a fifth year option as the 49ers 2014 first round pick, so he is unlikely to work out a contract extension next offseason. But there are plenty of players who could be worth an extension. The most notable would be Carlos Hyde, Dontae Johnson, and Aaron Lynch. All three could have very significant roles in 2016. Bruce Ellington and Kenneth Acker could as well, but Hyde, Johnson, and Lynch are the three most likely to do get the 49ers thinking extension next offseason.
Draft picks
- Jimmie Ward
- Carlos Hyde
- Marcus Martin
- Brandon Thomas
- Bruce Ellington
- Dontae Johnson
- Aaron Lynch
- Keith Reaser
- Kenneth Acker
- Kaleb Ramsey
UDFAs
- Dres Anderson
- DeAndrew White