Mike Mcglinchey soon to strike it rich
Mike Mcglinchey should cash in more than any of the 49ers' free agents, even Jimmy Garoppolo.
Market conditions will dictate that, but there's money to be had, and Mcglinchey is sure to capitalize on the supply-and-demand aspect that financially favors starting-caliber offensive tackles.
Quarterbacks, of course, command the most money, so Garoppolo could very well find his own suitor willing to commit to a multiyear contract and a starting role, of which several exist from coast to coast. Or his injury history could ferret only a short-term deal.
Mcglinchey's worth? He's not going to set the market the way Trent Williams did two years ago in re-signing with the 49ers (six years, $138 million). But Mcglinchey will have options, and that's because the 49ers had him play out his fifth-year option last season ($10.9 million).
He might make double that annually on a new deal, if the market is ripe as the salary cap balloons to $225 million, a jump over $16 million.
“I'm not an idiot and I understand what my value is, and (the 49ers) do, too, and the rest of the league will when the time comes. It's an interesting process,” Mcglinchey said Jan. 31, as he cleaned out his locker at season's end for the first time in his five-year tenure.
“It's something you dream about as a kid,” Mcglinchey added, “not really that (business) part of it, but to have a pick for where you play, that kind of freedom is what our union has fought for and it's a pretty cool deal.”
Long snapper Taybor Pepper opted not to test the market and instead became the first 49ers' player to resign. He used his social media Saturday to announce his three-year deal, which includes $1.5 million guaranteed, per NFL Media.
What does Mcglinchey have going for (and against) himself? Let's examine:
BIG-TIME EXPERIENCE >> Since the 49ers drafted Mcglinchey ninth overall in 2018 out of Notre Dame, he's been a polarizing starter at right tackle, at least in the court of public opinion, which overlooks his runblocking dominance and frowns harshly on his passblocking hiccups.
Good luck finding another 28-year-old offensive tackle who's been a Day 1 starter in the NFL with 4,784 snaps to his credit, including six playoff games. (Found one: Orlando Brown Jr., the Kansas City Chiefs' left tackle who could get the franchise tag.)
Mcglinchey made it through his contract year by starting all 20 games, highlighted by his Week 17 dominance against Raiders pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
That durability was key to not only the 49ers' offensive cohesion but his own stock, and it behooved him to quietly play through health issues, including fractured ribs. A year ago, Mcglinchey was rehabilitating from quadriceps surgery, and he missed time in August with a knee issue.
Overall, No. 69 started 69 regular-season games over the past five seasons. He missed four in 2019 because of a meniscus tear in his knee, and the last nine of 2021 because of that quadriceps tear.
Mcglinchey allowed six sacks last season. Technique and communication issues are often cited for such breakdowns. Mentally shaking those issues has also been an outspoken obstacle in his career, as he and offensive line coach Chris Foerster have testified.
TACKLE MARKET >> Mcglinchey is projected by Pro Football Focus as the NFL'S No. 11 free agent and the No. 2 tackle behind Brown, a left tackle who could be franchise tagged to protect Patrick Mahomes' blindside.
Other under-30 tackles who'll attract attention: Jawaan Taylor (Jaguars), Kaleb Mcgary (Falcons), Andrew Wylie (Chiefs) and Isaiah Wynn (Patriots).
Teams in dire need, other than the 49ers: the Dolphins, the Raiders, the Bears, the Falcons, the Chiefs, the Broncos, the Cardinals, and possibly the Bengals.
Atop the right tackle market is the Saints' Ryan Ramczyk, but his extension came in 2021 (five years, $96 million). Signing deals last year were Brian O'neill (Vikings; five years, $92 million), Taylor Moton (Panthers; five years, $85 million), Braden Smith (Colts; four years, $70 million), Jack Conklin (Browns; four years, $60 million) and Rob Havenstein (Rams; three years, $34.5 million).
Mcglinchey merits a four-year, $59.4 million package, according to one NFL salary cap website, Spotrac.com.
BAY AREA ALLURE >> When Mcglinchey was named a captain in 2020, it reflected what a commanding presence the 6-foot-8, 310-pounder can be, especially as a mature spokesman in the locker room. He didn't keep that “C” patch for the ensuing two seasons, but he remained a strong fixture on those playoff teams, especially with his run-blocking prowess (85.4 grade, per PFF). He won the 49ers' Ed Block Courage Award this past season.
“The opportunity to have life-changing money for my family, that is definitely a factor,” Mcglinchey said of free agency. “But it is not the only factor.”
Don't expect him to take a hometown discount, as much as the Philadelphia kid has embraced the Bay Area.
“I love being here,” Mcglinchey added. “The Bay has become my home. My future wife is from here. I love playing for this team, this coaching staff, this ownership group. It's a great spot. Some of my best friends are here, both players and also support staff.
“It's hard to ever want to leave this place. I've seen people do it and be kind of heartbroken about it later. You have to do a lot of thinking and see how the chips fall.”
The 49ers pushed their chips in for other highprofile players the past two offseasons rather than extend Mcglinchey, who acknowledged that Nick Bosa is next in line to “break the bank” with an extension after winning NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors.
But it's not as if the 49ers are pining to promote from within their ranks. If they go that route, their top candidates are a pair of fifth-round picks who each have five career starts: Colton Mckivitz (2020 draft pick) and Jaylon Moore (2021). OTHER QUESTIONS >> As Mcglinchey headed into limbo, he acknowledged how it would be a weird feeling, seeing as how he's always been around the 49ers facility, even training there each offseason.
When he said “everything is on the table” and that he'd keep an “open mind,” it begs other questions, such as:
What if the 49ers assign him the franchise tag, which comes with an $18 million guaranteed salary for 2023? “It's obviously something I would not enjoy,” Mcglinchey answered back on Jan. 31. “I would like some security. But that's not my decision whatsoever.”
What if he prefers to switch back to left tackle? It's where he played his final two seasons at Notre Dame, before joining a 49ers franchise that had Joe Staley and then Trent Williams at left tackle.
The NFL covets those more than right tackles, except when it comes to a team like Miami that must protect a left-handed quarterback's blindside in Tua Tagovailoa (unless Garoppolo goes there to unseat him). Perhaps a team will justify giving Mcglinchey a bonanza deal by claiming he's versatile enough to play either tackle spot.
It's the biggest time of Mcglinchey's life, not only with this impending mega-contract from whatever team, but he'll be getting married July 7. By the way, he'll have 17 groomsmen, and perhaps that is a sign of loyalty that the 49ers hope serves their interests as well.