New deal for star TE
McDonald agrees to five-year deal worth up to $35 million
SANTA CLARA — Tight end Vance McDonald landed a five-year extension Friday as the 49ers dipped into their $41 million of salary-cap space, second-most in the league.
“Vance has shown consistent growth throughout his four-year career and his production this season is the result of his dedication and hard work,” general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement. “We believe he has only scratched the surface of what he will be able to accomplish in his career.”
The deal is worth up to $35 million, with $16 million guaranteed, ESPN first reported. Only the winless Cleveland Browns have more salary-cap space ($50 million) than the 49ers, according to NFL Players Association figures.
“I cannot express my gratitude enough to the 49ers owners, coaches and staff for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play for this organization for five more years,” McDonald wrote on Twitter. “Today is a dream come true for me and my family and we are proud to call the Bay Area our home.”
McDonald is in his fourth season since Baalke drafted him in the second round out of Rice. With a team-high four receptions on the league’s 31st-ranked passing attack, McDonald is producing at a careerbest level (24 catches 391 yards). His average of 16.3 yards per catch leads the 49ers and ranks 10th in the league, something he partly credits to Chip Kelly’s scheme.
“It provides the tight end an opportunity to be a big playmaker,” McDonald said last week. “I’ve welcomed that idea and embraced that role this year. It’s been a lot of fun.”
He is the fourth member of Baalke’s 2013 draft class to get a contract extension this year. That includes the 49ers’ exercising the 2017 option on safety Eric Reid, their first-round draft pick. Outside linebacker Tank Carradine, drafted 15 spots ahead of McDonald in the second round, received a one-year extension and fifth-round pick Quinton Dial got a three-year deal.
All those deals perhaps signify the 49ers ownership’s commitment to Baalke, who’s placed blame upon himself for this season’s woes. The 49ers (1-11) have had their roster depth tested amid injuries and unproductive starters, and they take an 11-game losing streak into Sunday’s home game against the New York Jets (3-9).
Aaron Lynch envisioned n racking up doubledigit sacks as the 49ers reestablished themselves as a NFC contender. It hasn’t worked out that way, to say the least.
Suspended the season’s first four games, Lynch has only played in three games. But he might return from a five-game hiatus Sunday when the New York Jets visit. Lynch said this week he’s feeling better and officially is listed as questionable because of a left ankle he sprained Oct. 23.
“I want to win, with the amount of stuff that’s gone on this season and a lot of stuff hasn’t gone our way,” Lynch said of his comeback ambitions.
Left tackle Joe Staley’s n streak of playing in 92 consecutive games indeed may end Sunday. He is listed as doubtful on their injury report after not practicing a second straight day because of a hamstring injury.
The 49ers might shift Zane Beadles over from left guard to replace Staley, who’s started every game since 2011. Kelly, on KNBR, described Staley’s status as “day-to-day” and a potential game-time decision.
Barry Sims was the last 49er to start at left tackle other than Staley, in the 2010 finale. Staley missed the final seven games of 2010 with a broken leg. Staley’s streak is the thirdlongest among active offensive tackles, trailing only the Cleveland Browns’ Joe Thomas and the Raiders’ Donald Penn, each with 156 straight games.
Dial (elbow) is questionable n after being limited in Friday’s walk-through practice.
The Jets (3-9) ruled n out six players, including offensive tackle Breno Giacomini (back, calf shoulder). Defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson (ankle) is questionable.