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John Lynch: Von Miller's praise of Trent Brown 'costing 49ers money'

Trent Brown has the size (6-8, 355), length (36-inch arms) and athleticism to become one of the NFL’s best tackles. Ask star pass rusher, and Super Bowl 50 MVP, Von Miller, who already thinks Brown ranks among the league’s elite.

Miller and the Broncos were in town this week ahead of their preseason game Saturday in Levi’s Stadium. Per the San Francisco Chronicle:

“He’s the best right tackle in the National Football League,” Miller said Wednesday after the first of two joint practices with the 49ers. “And he may even be a top-five tackle, period, in the National Football League. There’s not another tackle who’s that tall, that big and can move the way he moves.”

49ers general manager John Lynch on Friday was asked about those comments on KNBR’s Murph & Mac show.

“I went out and told Von, ‘You’re costing me money,’” Lynch laughed. “But I think he sees what we see. I don’t know if he’s there yet. But you talk about a guy that’s really bought in and committed himself to what we’re asking of him. We’re really proud of Trent.

“We talk about doing it longer on each and every play. The talent is obvious. He’s got an opportunity to be a very special player and we just want to see him put it out there each and every week and each and every play.

Miller’s praise of Brown isn’t new. He said something similar during joint practices in Denver’s facility last summer. Miller’s latest comments came a year after an underwhelming season for Brown in 2016, his second in the league and first as a starter.

From the Sacramento Bee:

Last year (Brown) was part of a offensive line that allowed 47 sacks, the third most of any team in the league. Six sacks – along with 31 quarterback hurries – were given up by Brown, according to the scouting service Pro Football Focus. The best right tackle in the NFL? Pro Football Focus ranked him 21st out of 33 players last season with most of his demerits coming in run blocking.

Brown’s one of many players that needs to improve for the 49ers to rebound after last season when the offense ranked 31st in scoring and 27th in yards.

The former seventh-round pick could be an extension candidate following the season. He’s scheduled for free agency after 2018 and could be the long-term replacement for left tackle Joe Staley, who turns 33 this month.

If Brown lives up to Miller’s hype, Lynch is right, he would cost the 49ers a lot of money on a new deal. The team is entering the season with some $66 million in cap space to lead the NFL, which they could roll over into next offseason.

5 most expensive contracts for left tackles:

–Tyron Smith (Cowboys): 8 years, $97.6 million ($25 million guaranteed)
–Trent Williams (Washington): 5 years, $66 million ($30 million guaranteed)
–Terron Armstead (Saints): 5 years, $65 million ($20.88 million guaranteed)
–Cordy Glenn (Bills): 5 years, $60 million ($26.5 million guaranteed)
–Riley Reiff (Vikings): 5 years, $58.8 million ($26.3 million guaranteed)

5 most expensive contracts for right tackles:

–Lane Johnson (Eagles): 5 years, $56.25 million ($20.9 million guaranteed)
–Ricky Wagner (Lions): 5 years, $47.5 million ($17.5 million guaranteed)
–Morgan Moses (Washington): 5 years, $40 million ($14 million guaranteed)
–Bryan Bulaga (Packers): 5 years, $33.75 million ($8 million guaranteed)
–Mitchell Schwartz (Chiefs): 5 years, $33 million ($12.7 million guaranteed)

Contract figures from Overthecap.com

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