SANTA CLARA -– The likelihood is that guard Alex Boone has played his final game of the season. On Wednesday, he said he hopes he has not already played his final game with the 49ers.
When asked if he wants to return to the 49ers next season, Boone answered, “Of course. It’s my home. These are my brothers. They’re my family. I’ll listen to anything.”
Boone, who originally signed with the 49ers as an undrafted rookie from Ohio State in 2009, is nearing the end of the renegotiated two-year, $6 million contract that was finalized the week leading up to the 2014 season opener.
The 49ers and Boone have not gotten close to a long-term deal, according to sources. Boone has not participated in the 49ers' offseason program the past two years due to contract disputs. He said he understands the business side of it and his uncertain future is not weighing on his mind.
[MAIOCCO: Source: Boone's season likely over for 49ers]
“It’s the league. I’m excited about free agency,” he said. “But at the same time, I’d love to hear an offer from the Niners. And at the end of the day, I’ll let things work out the way they are.”
Boone is likely to miss the final three games of the season due to an MCL tear in his right knee. The injury, which does not require surgery or a lengthy rehab, is not expected to have any impact on Boone as a scheduled free agent.
Boone was injured in Sunday’s game when Cleveland outside linebacker Paul Kruger rolled onto Boone from behind as he tried to make a tackle of 49ers running back Shaun Draughn.
“I’m just happy it wasn’t my ACL,” Boone said. “It’s the game of football. I get it. It’s a rough game. I don’t think he maliciously did it. . . My cleat got stuck when Paul fell on it and bent the knee in. Those damn Nike cleats.
“I thought it was blown out. That’s why I was freaking out. So I was happy it was just the MCL.”
