Trent Baalke apparently wasn’t lying when he told KNBR that he was hoping to announce a number of contract extensions before the end of the 2016 season.
The 49ers announced their second extension in as many weeks on Monday afternoon, signing linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong to a two-year extension via an official team press release. Armstrong, who was due to become an unrestricted free agent, is now locked up through the 2018 season.
“We’re working on three or four as we speak,” Baalke said two Friday’s ago regarding extensions. “How much headway we make over the next month, you know I’m not sure. It looks positive, and hopefully we’ll announce a few more here by the end of the year.”
Somewhat shockingly, Baalke and the 49ers re-signed tight end Vance McDonald to a lucrative extension two weeks ago, inking the seemingly average TE to a five-year, $35 million dollar contract, not typically the type of move you’d expect to see from a general manger possibly on his way out. Baalke drafted McDonald in the second round of the 2013 draft.
Armstrong is not a Baalke pick, but rather a free agent signing from last season who, like McDonald, is currently on the injured reserve. Armstrong played in just two games this season before sustaining a season ending chest injury, finishing with nine tackles, an interception and fumble recovery. Before the injury, Pro Football Focus ranked Armstrong as one of the early bright spots on the San Francisco defense.
No word yet on the financial details of the Armstrong deal.
“Ray-Ray had a strong offseason and was off to a good start in 2016 prior to being sidelined for the season due to injury,” said Baalke in a press release. “He has continued to work hard in his rehab and is a young player with a bright future in front of him. We look forward to his continued development and contributions, both on and off the field.”
Shortly after the announcement, Armstrong reacted on Twitter:
GOD IS GOOD THE KID IS STAYIN IN THE BAY ?? https://t.co/ILKOi5Raj5
— Ray Ray Armstrong (@boom_king26) December 19, 2016