San Francisco 49ers sign star offensive tackle Joe Staley to two-year contract extension

The 2018 season was a nightmare for the San Francisco 49ers. Newly acquired quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo appeared in only three games to injury and, as a result, Kyle Shanahan's team cratered to the tune of a 4-12 record. On the heels of a five-game winning streak to end the 2017 campaign, that was a disappointing result but, as always, star left tackle Joe Staley was present and accounted for as the longest-tenured member of the roster. Staley, now 34 years old, appeared in all 16 games and, before the 2019 season begins, the Niners took the step of locking him up to a two-year contract extension. 

San Francisco announced the move on Wednesday evening in celebratory fashion and that included public acknowledgement from franchise CEO Jed York. Staley was drafted by the 49ers in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft and, with few exceptions related to injury, he has appeared as the team's best offensive lineman for more than a decade. 

In conjunction with the contract announcement, Staley participated in the franchise's annual "state of the franchise" gathering and he didn't hold back in portraying his excitement for the deal. 

"Jed (York), since the moment you guys drafted me in 2007, it has been my absolute honor to play for this franchise, and I wanted nothing more than to complete my entire career with this franchise," Staley said. "What we want to do is bring you a championship trophy," Staley said. "I want to because this is the only franchise that matters to me."

The six-time Pro Bowl selection projects as the anchor of San Francisco's offensive line for 2019 and beyond. With Garoppolo back and healthy, most are optimistic with regard to a bounce-back (including 30-1 odds to win the Super Bowl) but Staley's presence certainly provides stability and the 49ers are banking on that moving forward.