49ers sign young defensive star to massive contract extension

The San Francisco 49ers had to deal with some pretty tumultuous and drawn-out contract negotiations earlier this season for a couple of their stars on offense, including wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and offensive tackle Trent Williams.

Negotiations on the defensive side of the ball seemed to go a little more smoothly with cornerback Deommodore Lenoir.

According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, Lenoir and the 49ers agreed to a massive five-year, $92 million contract extension on Tuesday, locking in one of their brightest young stars on defense. 

Lenoir was a fifth-round pick by the 49ers in 2021 and quickly worked his way up the team's depth chart, becoming a starter in 2022 and helping to solidify their secondary and pass defense.

He has six interceptions in his career, including two through the first nine games of the 2024 season. He also has a forced fumble and six pass defenses. 

Getting him signed is a big score for the 49ers front office. Finding good cornerbacks is a challenge for teams, and they often cost a premium if you have to go outside the organization to get one. The 49ers not only have a good one in Lenoir, but he should just now be entering his prime years in the league. Assuming he follows his current trajectory and keeps developing the way he has, that contract might even turn out to be a bargain against the salary cap.  

The 49ers defense has been a bit of a disappointment so far this season — as has the whole team — but they are starting to come around and are still well-positioned for a run at the NFC West title.