The San Francisco 49ers have rewarded their young defensive leader in a major way.
Linebacker Patrick Willis has agreed with the Niners on a five-year contract extension worth $50 million, FOXSports.com has learned. In addition to the two years already remaining on his existing deal, the two time All-Pro linebacker is now property of the 49ers through the 2016 season.
Willis has made the Pro <NOBR style="FONT-FAMILY: inherit; COLOR: darkgreen; FONT-SIZE: 100%; FONT-WEIGHT: normal" id=itxt_nobr_2_0>Bowl
</NOBR> every year he has been in the league, and the 49ers did right by him, offering the extension despite two years remaining on his rookie deal. It's especially noteworthy in this environment of labor uncertainty, showing how much respect Willis has earned from the team brass.That respect was also reflected in All-Pro voting last season, when Willis received more votes than any other NFL defensive player.
In 2009, Willis earned his third straight Pro Bowl berth, led the NFL in tackles for the second time in his career and recorded career-highs in both sacks (4.0) and interceptions (3).
