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49ers GM John Lynch: Jerick McKinnon and Weston Richburg were at the top of our priority list
Mar 14, 2018 at 1:55 PM
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The San Francisco 49ers officially announced that the team has agreed to terms with running back Jerick McKinnon on a four-year deal and offensive lineman Weston Richburg on a five-year deal.
General manager John Lynch commented on the impending signings via a statement issued by the team.
"Jerick and Weston were both at the top of our priority list heading into free agency, and being able to lock them in quickly was important to us," said Lynch. "Both men embody the 49ers spirit and check almost all the boxes on the list of characteristics we look for in a player. Most importantly, they are passionate about the game, have a desire to be great and are dedicated to doing what's necessary to win in this league.
"We see Weston as one of the top young interior offensive linemen in the NFL. His athleticism, intelligence and attitude are a perfect fit for our scheme. Jerick has proven to be an extremely versatile football player whose speed, elusiveness and tackle-breaking ability make him a very difficult matchup for defenses. We can't wait to get them on the field with their teammates and coaches later this spring."
McKinnon's four-year deal is reportedly worth $30 million, which will make him the fourth-highest paid running back in the league in terms of average salary per year, according to OverTheCap.com and Spotrac.com. However, only the first year of the deal is guaranteed.
The 49ers reportedly got involved in a bidding war to acquire McKinnon,
according to Bay Area News Group. Ben Volin of the Boston Globe reports that
McKinnon was close to signing with the New York Jets, but San Francisco came back with a better offer.
Details of the contract
can be found here.
* Story updated to reflect corrected $30 million contract number for McKinnon
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