49ers: Team signs center Kilgore to 3-year extension.

Less than a week after signing their franchise quarterback, the 49ers secured the services of one of the players who will be charged with protecting their $137.5 million investment.

On Wednesday, six days after Jimmy Garoppolo signed a five-year deal, the 49ers signed center Daniel Kilgore to a threeyear contract extension. Kilgore, 30, who was a pending free agent, is a 2011 fifth-round pick who is the team’s second-longest tenured member behind left tackle Joe Staley.

Last year, Kilgore started a career-high 16 games and won the team’s Bobb McKittrick Award, an honor voted on by his fellow offensive linemen, which recognizes qualities such as courage and intensity.

Kilgore has bounced back from a broken left leg he sustained in October 2014, during his first season as a starter, that required two surgeries and left a metal plate and 12 screws in his leg. He was sidelined for 14 months, but has played in 34 of 37 games since his return in December 2015.

The 49ers are expected to continue addressing their offensive line in free agency. Starter Laken Tomlinson and Joshua Garnett, a 2016 first-round pick who sat out last year with a knee injury, are expected to compete for starting spots. Brandon Fusco, 29, who started 16 games at right guard, is a pending free agent.

In addition, the 49ers could have an eye on the future when it comes to their tackles. Staley will turn 34 in August, and right tackle Trent Brown will be in the final year of his contract in 2018.