The 49ers signed tight end Vance McDonald to a five-year contract extension through the 2021 season, the team announced late Friday.
The deal is worth $35 million, including $16 million in guaranteed money, ESPN reported.
McDonald ranks third on the 49ers with 24 catches for 391 yards and four touchdowns. He has touchdown receptions this season of 75 and 65 yards.
"Vance has shown consistent growth throughout his four-year career and his production this season is the result of his dedication and hard work,” 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement. “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.”
McDonald is in the final season of his original four-year, $3.99 million contract he signed as a second-round draft pick in 2013.
In McDonald’s three previous seasons, he caught just 40 passes for 475 yards and three touchdowns.
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McDonald spoke last week about the greater chances he's gotten to prove himself since the 49ers traded Vernon Davis last season.
“I just always look back at the opportunity when Vernon went to (Denver),” McDonald said. “Just being able to have the trust and the opportunity to start games and play every down.”
Said 49ers coach Chip Kelly, "He’s one of our weapons on the offensive side of the ball and he runs better than most tight ends in this league. 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.”
