The San Francisco 49ers signed third-round selection Will Redmond today. The cornerback has signed his four-year contract with the team.
Thanks to the 2011 CBA, all rookie contracts are now for a length of four years. Only first-round selections come with an option for a fifth year, which does not apply to Redmond. Having set numbers for each spot eliminates the need to negotiate salary and only leaves items like bonus payment terms, roster bonus allocations, and other miscellaneous structural items, which is likely what held up Redmond's deal for so long.
Redmond suffered an ACL tear during a Mississippi State practice on October 22, continuing a trend by 49ers general manager Trent Baalke of selecting injured players. However, when speaking to reporters following being drafted, Redmond stated, "I expect to play in 2016," and Baalke said that he is comfortable that the cornerback will be ready in time for the team's training camp.
Redmond could be one of the 49ers' most intriguing selections if he gets completely healthy enough to contribute this season. "In the midst of injury row, Will Redmond saw his final season torpedoed by injury after seven games when he tore his ACL. By that point he had allowed just one touchdown and a passer rating of only 41.0 when targeted by opposing quarterbacks," said Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus.
While Redmond has taken part in the 49ers' offseason program, has been limited as he recovers from his injury.
The signing leaves OG Joshua Garnett as the only unsigned 49ers rookie.
Below is the projected contract for Redmond, per salary cap site Spotrac.com. However, his actually contract may differ ever so slightly.
CB Will Redmond, Mississippi State
Round 3, Pick 5
Total Value: $3,510,401
Signing Bonus: $872,555
2016 Cap: $668,139
