49ers' Shanahan sends message to McGlinchey about his future

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Right tackle Mike McGlinchey firmly established himself this season as an elite run-blocker.

But some obvious and untimely slip-ups in pass protection led to scrutiny about McGlinchey’s job performance and speculation about his future with the 49ers.

The 49ers this offseason must make a decision on picking up the fully guaranteed fifth-year option for McGlinchey for the 2022 season.

Although coach Kyle Shanahan said he and general manager John Lynch have not discussed the issue, he sent a clear message that McGlinchey factors prominently into the equation for years to come.

“We haven't talked about it, which is probably a big tweet thing, but McGlinchey is going to be here,” Shanahan said. “So without me ever thinking of that, no, we haven't talked about it, but don't worry, Mike, you'll be all right, man.

“Obviously, I've got to talk to John, talk to Jed (York), but I didn't even realize that was up next year, which means I feel pretty good about McGlinchey."

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McGlinchey, who was chosen with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, rates tied for the No. 2 run-blocking offensive tackle in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. Only teammate Trent Williams rates higher.

But McGlinchey is tied for surrendering the 10th-most pressures of any offensive tackle in the league. PFF has graded McGlinchey as giving up five sacks, 10 quarterback hits and 20 hurries.

Shanahan said he believes McGlinchey can use the lessons learned this season and the criticism to fuel him for 2021 and beyond.

Shanahan recalled how angry he would get as a youngster listening to criticism of his dad, Mike Shanahan, the head coach of the Denver Broncos. He said he wanted to fight anyone who had anything bad to say about him.

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Part of becoming a professional is learning how to handle the criticism, Shanahan said.

“Any coach or any coordinator, any play-caller, any players in the limelight, like it's going to happen,” Shanahan said. “I don't care how good you are. It's how you react to that. That's why I think it's a good thing for Mike to go through that stuff because I think it can make him stronger.

“He's made of the right stuff. He's a good football player. He's going to have a great career and I plan on it being here and I hope he takes it the right way and it makes him a better player next year for it."

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