Kilgore set to take center stage after contract extension?

The 49ers put pen to paper on a contract extension with one of their players on Thursday, but it wasn't who you might think.

It wasn't Anquan Boldin, Michael Crabtree, Colin Kaepernick or any of San Francisco's marquee players, instead it was an offensive lineman who now appears set to become a hugely important component of the team in 2014.

Guard/Center Daniel Kilgore has signed a three-year extension that will keep him with San Francisco until 2018.

"We are pleased to extend the contract of a talented, young player like Dan," general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement.

"This move is another example of our philosophy to extend the contracts of our own young players."

Kilgore's extension suggests a bigger role for the 2011 fifth-round draft pick, who has operated as a backup in his three seasons with the 49ers.

Indeed, with free agent veteran Jonathan Goodwin looking increasingly unlikely to return, Kilgore could well head into the next campaign as the starting center.

The move reflects a long-standing 49ers philosophy of promoting from within, and they will hope that the ex-Appalachian State man can repay their faith and slot seamlessly into the offensive line should he be asked to occupy the center spot.