San Francisco 49ers Sign LB NaVorro Bowman To Five-Year Extension
By Barry Barnes
November 19, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) is congratulated by inside linebacker Patrick Willis (52) after making a tackle against the Chicago Bears in the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Bears 32-7. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE
The San Francisco 49ers announced Tuesday they have agreed to terms with linebacker NaVorro Bowman on a five-year contract extension through the 2018 season.
“NaVorro epitomizes what we look for in a 49er,” said 49ers General Manager Trent Baalke. “We are excited that the All Pro tandem of Willis and Bowman will be together in red and gold for years to come.”
The 49ers originally selected Bowman in the third round (91st overall) in the 2010 NFL Draft. He has since developed into one of the premier inside linebackers in the NFL, registering 337 tackles, four sacks, three fumble recoveries, an interception and 13 passes defensed in just three short seasons.
This season, the 6-0, 242-pound linebacker leads the team with 129 tackles. Bowman recorded double-digit tackles in nine of 11 games this season, and led the team in tackles eight times. He has also added two sacks, one interception and five passes defensed.
After spending his rookie year as a standout special teamer, Bowman was named a starter in 2011 and went on to led the team with 173 tackles, while adding three fumble recoveries and eight passes defensed. He also led the team with 27 tackles in the postseason.
The 49ers will now the best defensive front in the NFL, due to this signing, for at least the next three seasons as they have all four of their starting linebackers under contract through to the 2015 season (Ahmad Brooks – 2017, Patrick Willis – 2016 and Aldon Smith – 2015).
January 1, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) and defensive end Justin Smith (94) sack St. Louis Rams quarterback Kellen Clemens (10) in the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE
The talented, young 49ers’ defensive front can do it all as pass rushers and run stoppers. Each linebacker can drop back into coverage, when in need, and their abilities to play containment – keeping plays in front of them in a zone package without backing up or getting out of position – helps them to be extremely discipline as a unit causing teams to have difficulties executing their offense.
The 49ers are officially set to make a run with their defense leading the way due to locking Bowman up.