Kittle, Buckner will see big pay
Expected to get significant raises after current rookie deals end
A playoff edition of the 49ers mailbag to start off 2020? Whoops, you ask the questions here, so let’s get to them and my corresponding answers, as generated off from my Instagram and Twitter mailmen:
IN YOUR OPINION, WHO WOULD WE PREFER TO SEE IN THE 2ND ROUND? (@SFGOLDSTEIN3) » They can beat any of the three candidates and I’ll take Philadelphia as the top choice.
Why? Because the injury-ravaged Eagles will be stoked to simply make it out of their wild-card matchup with Seattle, then have to fly cross-country and play on five days’ rest.
The Seahawks, as vulnerable as they are defensively and on the offensive line, will have a revenge aspect to them and ever-dangerous Russell Wilson. If the Vikings survive New Orleans, I’d be wary of any team that could win there — like the 49ers did.
DO YOU BELIEVE THAT THE 49ERS WOULD BE NFC WEST CHAMPS & THE #1 SEED IF JIMMY G DIDN’T TEAR HIS ACL LAST SEASON? (@ICYOURTWITTIES) »
No, although I did predict that team would go 10-6. Once Garoppolo went out with a Week 3 knee injury, the 49ers’ roster deficiencies were further exposed, especially in terms of a pass rush and wide receiver help.
The 49ers hit on those positions this season and are reaping the rewards there — and with a healthy Garoppolo.
MAYBE MORE OF AN “AFTER WE WIN THE SUPER BOWL QUESTION,” BUT WHAT DO YOU THINK EXTENSIONS LOOK LIKE FOR KITTLE & BUCKNER? (@JOSH_THOM16) »
George Kittle already is the NFL’s premier tight end and will reset that market, likely with over $25 million initially guaranteed and well over Jimmy
Graham’s NFL-high $10 million average salary.
Buckner can boost his stock in the playoffs, not to Aaron Donald’s level ($87 million guaranteed) but more than Grady Jarrett’s 2019 extension ($42 million guaranteed). With one season left on their rookie deals, Kittle is to earn just $735,000 in salary, and Buckner is slated for $14.4 million on his fifth-year option.
WILL OUR YOUTH AND LACK OF PLAYOFF EXPERIENCE BE A PROBLEM? IF SO, DO YOU FEEL HOME-FIELD ADVANTAGE WILL MITIGATE THAT CONCERN? (@JAMESHAGGARD85) » True, most 49ers are making their playoff debuts. The insane games the past month should have everyone ready for the pressure-packed, down-to-thewire moments awaiting them in January (and Feb. 2 in Miami).
CAN WE WEAR THROWBACK JERSEYS FOR THE PLAYOFFS? (@READYBOI_APPLYPRESSURE) » No, according to a team spokesman. Winning in them at Seattle after a dominant debut over the Carolina Panthers
will have to suffice for your throwback-jersey fix.
WILL DEE FORD AND JAQUISKI TARTT BE READY FOR THE DIVISIONAL ROUND? (@CRAFTYHIGHLIGHTS) » That’s the plan, so long as Ford’s hamstring cooperates in his first practices in nearly a month, and as long as Tartt’s rib injury continues to improve. HYPOTHETICALLY IF KWON COMES BACK DOES HE TAKE HIS SPOT BACK OR DO THEY LEAVE GREENLAW AS THE STARTER IN THE NICKEL PACKAGE? (@FPEREZ2231) » Kwon Alexander’s return from pectoral surgery won’t happen until at least
the NFC Championship Game, and Alexander is working hard toward that. So, do they bench Greenlaw, his successor and Sunday night’s hero in Seattle? I’d imagine it depends on Alexander’s shape. What a comeback it’d be.
IS SALEH REALLY A LEGITIMATE HEAD COACH CANDIDATE? (@TREETOPTREKKER) » I didn’t think Mike McCarthy was one as the 49ers 2005 offensive coordinator, then he went on to win a Super Bowl, 125 games plus 18 more in the playoffs as the Green Bay Packers’ 13-year coach. Meaning, how much do we really
know about head-coaching chops? Robert Saleh’s energy, work ethic and leadership are desirable traits, which certainly the Browns could use. That said, I’d be surprised if he’s coaching in Cleveland. The Jaguars should be the ones summoning him (maybe next year).
WILL ROBBIE GOULD KICK OFF NOW IN CLOSE GAMES? (@ JMROTH28) » Overlooked, at least by me, in Sunday night’s frantic finish was Mitch Wishnowky’s kickoff that careened out of bounds — his first of the season. It allowed the Seahawks’ final touchdown drive to start at the 40-yard line with 5:51 remaining.
The 49ers should stick with “The Boomin’ Onion” rather than make extra work for Gould, whose November leg injury sidelined him three games.
WHEN ARE THE NINERS GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL? (@ ARIELPORRAS123) » If not Feb. 2 in Miami, then look for a 2021 trip to Super Bowl LV in Tampa.
DO YOU THINK THE NINERS BEAT THE RAVENS IN THE SUPER BOWL? (@ROCO.REYES49ERS) » Is this a 7-year-old mailbag question? Whoops, you ask the questions around here, and bring back more next week, thanks.