The San Francisco 49ers had some tough decisions to make entering the 2024-25 offseason. They chose to get one out of the way a bit ahead of schedule.
San Francisco has an abundance of talent on the defensive side of the ball, but not all of that talent was locked in on long-term extensions. They had already taken care of edge rusher Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner, but that was just the tip of the iceberg.
The 49ers’ impending defensive free agents include two All-Pros in Talanoa Hufanga and Charvarius Ward. There’s star linebacker Dre Greenlaw, soon returning to the team from a torn Achilles. Then, there’s cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, the youngest and arguably the most talented of them all.
It appears that due to his breakout season, Lenoir has taken priority over all the other star free agents on the 49ers defense.
Earlier this week, the 49ers and Lenoir came to a long-term agreement, inking a five-year, $92 million extension that gives San Francisco team control over the 25-year-old star through 2029. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler was the first to report news of the extension.
Lenoir is having a tremendous season, totaling two interceptions, six pass breakups and a 65.1 passer rating when targeted. Locking him in seals the future of the 49ers secondary, both because he’s now guaranteed to be there, but others likely aren’t.
Most importantly, it seems all but certain that Ward, an All-Pro in 2023, will be gone come Week 1 of the 2025 season. Paying two corners at the top market rate is untenable, and the 49ers have already seen journeyman Isaac Yiadom step up and take on an increased role at the position as well.
The 49ers still have to sort things out with Hufanga and Greenlaw, and of course, determine whether to extend quarterback Brock Purdy. But at the very least, they can tick off consider one item on their spring checklist.
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