The San Francisco 49ers signed TE Vance McDonald to a five-year, $35 million extension that includes $16 million guaranteed, per Adam Schefter and Adam Caplan of ESPN.
49ers signing free-agent-to-be TE Vance McDonald to a 5-year, $35 million extension that includes $16M gtd, sources tell @caplannfl and me.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 10, 2016
"I cannot express my gratitude enough to the 49ers owners, coaches, and staff for believing in me and for the opportunity to play for this organization for five more years," said McDonald upon signing his new contract. "Today is a dream come true for me and my family and we are proud to call the Bay Area our home."
McDonald was scheduled to become a free agent after this season and was coming to the end of his four-year, $3.6 million rookie contract. He was drafted in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of Rice.
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McDonald is having the best season of his career. He already has 391 yards receiving – a career best. McDonald also has four touchdowns this season.
"Vance has shown consistent growth throughout his four-year career and his production this season is the result of his dedication and hard work," said general manager Trent Baalke via a statement by the team. "We believe he has only scratched the surface of what he will be able to accomplish in his career. Vance is a tremendous ambassador for the 49ers, and his passion for helping others provides a wonderful example for this organization. We look forward to his continued contributions to this organization, both on and off the field."
Before & after @VMcDonald89 🖋a 5-year extension with the #49ers.#GoNiners pic.twitter.com/9ZPkKWP420
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 10, 2016
"Obviously, he's one of our weapons on the offensive side of the ball and he runs better than most tight ends in this league," head coach Chip Kelly said of McDonald last week. "So really depends on week to week what people have available at the safety spot to kind of match up with him. But he's certainly someone that I think people defensively have to game plan for."