Joe Staley’s undetermined future with the 49ers could make the team take a closer look at a tackle early in this year’s draft, but the veteran remains unfazed about his future after 2019.
The 49ers selected Mike McGlinchey with the No. 9 overall pick of the 2018 draft as the heir apparent for Staley’s left tackle position. Staley is under contract through 2019, but there still haven't been talks about his future with the club.
“We haven’t had any discussions,” Staley said. “I made it very clear, to I think everybody, that I want to play as long as I can. I still love the game and feel like I can play at a high level. Still feel like I’m valued on the football team.”
With our All Access Daily newsletter, stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams!
SIGN UP HERE Staley is not worried that things have not been ironed out yet. He remains steadfast that his desire is to remain in Santa Clara following his 13th season.
“I know it’s my last year under contract but I’m not worried about that,” Staley said. “I’m just going to go out there and do everything I can to help us win games this year.”
Staley is moving forward with a "business as usual" mentality. He is one of the veterans who continually shows up for the offseason program, even though it is voluntary. He explained why, at 34 years old, he prefers to participate in organized team activities (OTAs) instead of doing his own program elsewhere.
“I just love being around everybody and I don’t know, I’d much rather be here than somewhere else,” Staley said. “I think for me too, it’s like I need the structure, I’m used to the structure.
San Francisco 49ers
Find the latest San Francisco 49ers news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Bay Area and California.
“It works well for me. Not to say that I can’t manage my time away from here when I’m not. I do when I’m down in San Diego, but I just enjoy being around the guys too. It was never a thought for me to be anywhere else.”
[RELATED: Staley gave 49ers scouting report on Dee Ford before trade]
Staley, a six-time Pro Bowler, has started in all 174 games that he has played with the team. The remaining tackles on the team are McGlinchey, Shon Coleman, Christian DiLauro and Daniel Brunskill.