© Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The 49ers rewarded left tackle Joe Staley Tuesday morning with a pay increase during the final two years of his deal.
Staley was due to make $11 million in the upcoming two seasons, with his contract expiring after the 2019 campaign. With the raise, he will make $17.4 million in all, including a $3.22 million bump for the 2018 season, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The 49ers have made efforts throughout the offseason to protect Jimmy Garoppolo, who signed for a record-breaking $137.5 million contract in February. General manager John Lynch added center Weston Richburg and guard Jonathan Cooper last month.
Staley has been a dominant presence on the San Francisco offensive line since the 49ers drafted him in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He is 33 years old, but the six-time Pro Bowler has showed no signs of regression, earning Pro Football Focus’ top run grade for offensive tackles in 2017.
Despite a busy offseason, the 49ers entered Tuesday with more than $46 million in cap space, the third-most in the league. With Staley’s pay raise, the 49ers reward one of the most respected veteran leaders on the team, responsible for protecting Garoppolo’s blindside.
