San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman is going to stay in the Bay Area for a long time. The 49ers inked the Pro Bowl linebacker to a four-year, $44 million contract extension with $20 million guaranteed Wednesday. Bowman had three years left on his existing deal, meaning he's now signed through 2022.
49ers sign NaVorro Bowman to surprise 4-year extension
The 49ers plan to keep Bowman in the Bay Area until 2022.
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Due to the fact Bowman had so much time remaining on his contract and is two years removed from an ACL tear, this news is a major surprise. But it’s clear new head coach Chip Kelly intends to build the team around him. Bowman has emerged as one of the best inside linebackers in the league over the last few years, averaging 147.5 tackles per season since 2011.
49ers general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement he wants Bowman to remain with the organization for the entirety of his career.
“Over the last six years, NaVorro has become a cornerstone of our organization and securing his future in the Bay Area was a priority for us,” Baalke said. “The perseverance he displayed while overcoming adversity and returning to his All-Pro form provides a great example of what can be accomplished through hard work and self-belief. This contract extension reaffirms our core philosophy of rewarding our own players and we are thrilled to know NaVorro will play his entire career with the 49ers.”
Bowman, 28, has been one of the few bright spots on a floundering 49ers squad. Despite the team’s recent struggles, he thanked his teammates and coaches after signing the deal. “My teammates and coaches have meant so much to me throughout my career and I thank them for helping me become the player I am today,” he said.
Some of Bowman's teammates on a once-proud defense, including Aldon Smith, Ray McDonald and Ahmad Brooks, have been in the headlines for their transgressions off the field more than their on-field play as of late. San Francisco released Smith in 2015 after he was arrested for his third DUI and cut bait with McDonald amidst sexual assault allegations in 2014. The club has held onto Brooks despite his sexual assault charge from last summer.
There have been several high-profile retirements around Bowman, too. Veteran linebacker Patrick Willis and defensive lineman Justin Smith called it quits as well as star rookie linebacker Chris Borland, who cited concerns about brain damage as his reasoning for walking away.
Bowman tore his ACL in the 2013 NFC Championship and missed the entirety of the 2014 campaign. But he came back strong last season, with a league-leading 154 tackles. It's clear the 49ers aren't concerned about his ability to stay healthy.
Amidst turmoil in the front office and two coaching changes within the last two years, the 49ers have gone 13-19 since qualifying for the NFC Championship in 2013. Kelly has a tough task in front of him, and one of his first moves is ensuring Bowman is entrenched as one of the team’s stalwarts.
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