49ers give big contract extension to defensive cornerstone
Nov 12, 2018; Santa Clara, CA, USA; A general overall view of the San Francisco 49ers logo at midfield at Levi’s Stadium prior to the game against the New York Giants. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The San Francisco 49ers are issuing out the check for one of their most important defensive pieces.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported Tuesday that the Niners have reached agreement on a contract extension with cornerback Deommodore Lenoir. The 25-year-old Lenoir is getting a five-year extension worth $92 million.
Lenoir has been with the 49ers for his entire four-year NFL career. While he was just a fifth-round draft pick (No. 172 overall), Lenoir has blossomed into a pillar for the San Francisco secondary. He has started all 29 games for the Niners since 2023 (regular season and playoffs) and is currently tied for the team lead this season in both interceptions (two) and passes defended (six).
On top of that, Lenoir is known for his one-on-one ability in coverage against some of the NFL’s top receivers and even had a massive forced fumble in Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs last season.
The #49ers are about to get plays like this from Deommodore Lenoir for 5 more years. #FTTB pic.twitter.com/YuwHWxgs9T
— Matt Lively (@mattblively) November 13, 2024
Deommodore Lenoir with an insane interception
ALL-PRO DMO pic.twitter.com/i87lKlV3xy
— Coach Yac (@Coach_Yac) October 28, 2024
Ball is loose. Deommodore Lenoir knocks the ball out and the @49ers defense forces a turnover!
: #SBLVIII on CBS
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/dClcEDViWl pic.twitter.com/PeAeIgfScU— NFL (@NFL) February 12, 2024
At a shade over $18 million per year, Lenoir’s extension now makes him the NFL’s 12th-highest paid cornerback. It also means that another prominent member of the San Francisco secondary may end up leaving as a free agent this offseason.