Packers sign Corey Linsley to 3-year extension

The Green Bay Packers made some moves on Saturday, including the three-year extension they signed with center Corey Linsley. That extension will pay him $25.5 million, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network.

This is notable for the San Francisco 49ers because they could be in the market for a center in free agency. Daniel Kilgore is currently the starter, and while he’s not the worst player on the offensive line, he’s probably the second-worst. But even if the 49ers want Kilgore at center in 2018, it’s not guaranteed, as he’s set to become a free agent.

San Francisco has a solid left tackle, a solid right tackle and a big question mark at the other three interior spots. Brandon Fusco isn’t a sexy name by any means, but he’s probably played well enough to lock down the right guard spot. So we’re left with question marks at left guard and center.

Linsley is a high-end center who would have hit the open market and would have been a tantalizing target for a team with cap space and a desire to protect an asset in Jimmy Garoppolo. Now he’s off the market, and Kilgore is actually one of the top options in free agency.