In a move nobody expected, the 49ers traded longtime offensive lineman Daniel Kilgore to the Miami Dolphins last week, just a month after giving the veteran a three-year contract extension. That extension was given to Kilgore before San Francisco signed former Giants center Weston Richburg to a five-year deal, instantly turning Kilgore from sure starter to an expendable piece.
Upon his arrival in Miami, Kilgore told the media that nobody was more surprised about being traded than he, saying he expected to finish is career where it started in San Francisco.
“A month ago when I signed the extension, I never dreamed about being in this position,” Kilgore said via the Miami Herald.
A day after his introductory press conference in South Florida, Kilgore penned a farewell message on Twitter, thanking the 49ers and Bay Area sports fans for the past seven years.
Been a crazy and frustrating week, but I’m forever grateful for the 49ers and the past 7 years. Thank you to all of the fans and our friends in the Bay Area, we will truly miss you. Very excited for this next chapter with @MiamiDolphins and living in beautiful Florida! #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/tUKxoWggwY
— Daniel Kilgore (@DanielKilgore67) March 17, 2018
Kilgore says there are no hard feelings between him and the 49ers organization, and even praised John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan for how they handled the situation.
“As far as how they handled it, I appreciate how Kyle and John Lynch got me in a position where I can be successful,” Kilgore said. “They could have traded me anywhere but I think they did the right thing by putting me in a position that they know I can be successful, and putting me with a staff that loves the game and that are good people.”
Kilgore, 30, was a fifth round pick by the 49ers in 2011, and worked his way up to a starting role by the 2014 season. He was awarded the Bobb McKittrick Award last season, given annually the the 49ers offensive lineman that best represents the courage, intensity and sacrifice of the longtime O-line coach.