The 49ers made their biggest in-season move to the roster with four games left in 2016.
GM Trent Baalke doled out a five-year, $35 million contract extension to tight end Vance McDonald, per ESPN.
“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 Baalke in a press release. “We believe he has only scratched the surface of what he will be able to accomplish in his career.”
This is nothing against Vance McDonald, who has proven he belongs in the NFL. But he now makes similar guaranteed money ($16 million) to superstar tight ends Rob Gronkowski, Jordan Reed, Jason Witten, Jimmy Graham, Greg Olsen and Travis Kelce — all proven weapons that can carry offenses.
A move like this suggests Baalke’s job may not be in as much danger as we all thought.
If the 49ers have the correct checks and balances system going on, CEO Jed York would need to sign off on such a move. And if he’s really leaning towards firing Baalke after the season, why would he let his GM hand out gobs of cash to a player the next GM may not even like?
McDonald’s been in the league four seasons, and he’s yet to eclipse 1,000 total yards — combined. Apparently 24 catches for 391 yards is enough to make upper echelon tight end money in today’s NFL. McDonald has been one of the brightest players on the 49ers since the team traded Vernon Davis to the Broncos. Again, McDonald’s proven he belongs in the NFL, but the money here seems a little out of whack.
This move reeks of Baalke trying to prove to the 49ers that he drafted a homegrown, quality football player.
“Vance is a tremendous ambassador for the 49ers, and his passion for helping others provides a wonderful example for this organization,” said Baalke. “We look forward to his continued contributions to this organization, both on and off the field.”