The San Francisco 49ers secured the services of cornerback Deommodore Lenoir with a five-year, $92 million contract extension. A source confirmed this news to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Tuesday.
Lenoir, selected in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft (172nd overall), was approaching free agency as his rookie deal neared its conclusion.
This season, Lenoir has demonstrated his impact with 53 tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. His contributions also extend to special teams, where he recovered a fumble against the Arizona Cardinals, returning it for a remarkable 61-yard touchdown, marking his first career score.
Lenoir’s versatility was evident in 2023 as he played 311 snaps in the slot and 570 at outside corner. His impressive play resulted in a minus-4.7 EPA, 80.1 passer rating allowed when targeted, and only one touchdown surrendered despite three interceptions and ten passes defended.
ESPN’s Nick Wagoner contributed to this report.
49ers Sign Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir to Five-Year, $92 Million Extension
A Major Investment in San Francisco’s Defensive Future
The San Francisco 49ers have made a significant statement about their commitment to building a championship-caliber team by signing cornerback Deommodore Lenoir to a five-year, $92 million contract extension. This lucrative deal solidifies Lenoir’s place as a cornerstone of the 49ers’ defense for years to come and highlights his potential as one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks.
### Lenoir’s Rise Through the Ranks
Drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Lenoir quickly established himself as a promising talent for the 49ers. His impressive athleticism, instincts, and ball skills have translated into consistent performance on the field. Despite facing some early challenges in adapting to the NFL game, Lenoir’s dedication to improvement has been evident.
| Year | Games Played | Tackles | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 17 | 49 | 3 |
| 2022 | 17 | 65 | 1 |
### Impact on the 49ers’ Defense
Lenoir’s signing has a significant ripple effect across the 49ers’ defense.
* **Strengthened Secondary:** The 49ers already boast one of the league’s most talented secondaries, and Lenoir’s presence further bolsters their ability to shutdown opposing receivers.
* **Versatile Defensive Playmaker:** Lenoir’s skill set allows him to be effective in both man-to-man and zone coverage schemes, making him a valuable asset for defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans.
### Contract Details: A Reflection of Value
The five-year, $92 million contract extension reflects the 49ers’ confidence in Lenoir’s future. The deal includes:
* Guaranteed money
* Average annual value.
This financial commitment underscores the importance the team places on retaining its young talent and building for sustained success.
### Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Lenoir
With this contract extension in place, Lenoir can now focus fully on his development and continued growth as a player.
* **Continued Improvement:** He has the potential to become one of the league’s elite cornerbacks, consistently shutting down opposing receivers and making game-changing plays.
* **Leadership Role:** As he matures in the league, Lenoir is poised to take on a more prominent leadership role within the 49ers’ locker room.
The San Francisco 49ers have made a bold statement with their commitment to Deommodore Lenoir. This contract extension not only rewards his talent but also sets the stage for him to become a cornerstone of the franchise for years to come.
