Kittle, Buckner will see big pay raises shortly
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 injuryravaged 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 everdangerous 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 fifthyear
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-the-wire 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 throwbackjersey 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. 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.