The 49ers have to regret giving this player a 3-year extension

The San Francisco 49ers signed Colton McKivitz this season with a clear understanding of his abilities and limitations, as he generally handles most NFL rushers but struggles against elite opponents, such as in a recent game against Will Anderson where his poor performance hindered the team's offensive drives.

McKivitz's difficulties are highlighted against top pass rushers like Anderson, who ranks second in the NFL in pressures, with Anderson's impactful plays often occurring at critical moments. This raises concerns about McKivitz's effectiveness after his contract extension, particularly in key matchups where he is prone to losses.

In terms of his performance, McKivitz has faced few elite rushers this season, with games against teams like Seattle, Arizona, and Atlanta lacking star pass rushers, and opponents like Cameron Jordan and Travon Walker not posing significant threats. Out of eight games, he encountered top-tier rushers in only three, where he allowed nine pressures on 101 snaps, compared to just six pressures on 176 snaps in other games.

Statistical analysis from Pro Football Focus shows McKivitz grades at 80 in non-elite matchups with a pass block efficiency of 97.4, but drops to a grade of 61 and efficiency of 93.6 against elite rushers. His worst performances were against the Rams and Texans, with grades of 52 and pass blocking ratings of 91, underscoring his inconsistency under pressure.

Overall, the 49ers anticipated this pattern, as McKivitz excels against average rushers but falters against top-20 talents, leading to pressures and potential game-changing struggles. While the signing is justified by the scarcity of reliable tackles, it prompts questions about whether such limitations are acceptable in crucial games.