The San Francisco 49ers announced that they have re-signed center Daniel Kilgore to a three-year contract extension.
"We are really happy to come to an agreement on a contract extension with Dan before free agency," 49ers general manager John Lynch said via a statement issued by the team. "He is very much a leader of this team, and his hard work and commitment to our success provide a great example for our young team. When you come across players who love the game like Dan you do your best to keep them in your building."
Kilgore, who was drafted by the 49ers out of Appalachian State in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, started a career-high 16 games in 2017. He ranked 23rd out of 35 centers to kick off the season, according to Pro Football Focus. However, Kilgore had a strong finish, was a top 10 center, and didn't allow a sack or quarterback hit during the 49ers' final five games of the season.
RELATED Daniel Kilgore excited to return to 49ers and continue playing with Jimmy Garoppolo
In 2016, Kilgore started 13 games for San Francisco before being placed on injured reserve on December 13, 2016.
During his seven-year career with the 49ers, Kilgore has appeared in 74 games and started 39. He has also appeared in six postseason games. At the end of the 2017 season, Kilgore was named the winner of the Bobb McKittrick Award, which is given annually to the 49ers offensive lineman who best represents the courage, intensity, and sacrifice.
Kilgore becomes the fourth impending free agent to re-sign with the 49ers this offseason. The team re-signed linebacker Mark Nzeocha to a one-year deal on January 26, re-signed defensive end Cassius Marsh to a two-year deal on February 7, and then inked quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to an NFL-record five-year contract a day later.