text
Mike Iupati could receive a lucrative extension with the 49ers this offseason. (USATSI)

Dominant offensive line play has been instrumental in the San Francisco 49ers’ back-to-back trips to the NFC Championship, as the 49ers have ended each of the last two seasons in the Top 10 throughout the league in rushing offense.

Early this month, 49ers offensive tackle Anthony Davis was rewarded with a five-year, $37.3 million deal that reportedly included up to $17 million in guaranteed money. In the 2010 NFL Draft, San Francisco upgraded its line by selecting Davis and offensive guard Mike Iupati in the first round. Now, Iupati could be the next in line for a lucrative contract extension.

The 49ers have opened preliminary negotiations with Iupati, Albert Breer of the NFL Network reported on Monday. A deal with Iupati is not imminent, though, according to CSN Bay Area.

Iupati (6-5, 331) has arguably emerged as one of the top run blockers in the league. In 2012, Iupati ranked second overall among all offensive guards in run-blocking efficiency by Pro Football Focus. As a result, Iupati earned the first Pro Bowl selection of his three-year NFL career. Iupati, a former Idaho All-American, has also impressed coaches and teammates with his stellar pass protection. Since entering the league, Iupati has only surrendered eight total sacks.

The five-year, $17.98 million contract Iupati signed in 2010 is among the most reasonable in the league. In 2013, Iupati’s cap hit of $2.629 million is the 29th highest among offensive guards according to Spotrac.com. The top seven guards in the NFL will all make at least $7.2 million in average salary in the upcoming season.

Iupati could command a deal similar to the six-year, $46.8 million contract former Bills guard Andy Levitre signed with the Titans in March. The 49ers are less than $1.0 million under the 2013 salary cap, according to Spotrac.com.  

Keep your eye on everything NFL by following Matt Rybaltowski on Twitter@mattrybaltowski.