San Francisco 49ers extend Bruce Miller

Oct 27, 2013; London, UNITED KINGDOM; San Francisco 49ers fullback Bruce Miller (49) is pushed out of bounds by Jacksonville Jaguars free safety Josh Evans (26) during an International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Martin-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers have given fullback Bruce Miller a three-year extension, per ESPN 49ers reporter Bill Williamson. 

Miller, a seventh round pick in 2011, has been one of the best fullbacks in the NFL over the last couple years. As essentially the backfield member of the NFL’s best O-line, Miller has been great in Greg Roman’s complex blocking scheme. He did catch 25 passes in 2013, but Miller is known for his blocking more still, and does not get the recognition of a John Kuhn or Marcel Reece as a fullback who is used as an offensive weapon.

Miller’s re-signing is a smart move for both he and the team. For the Niners, there’s no reason to scour the market for a fullback when Miller is plenty capable. And for Miller, there’s a lot of teams that don’t even carry a fullback, so re-signing with the 49ers keeps him in a role where he’ll be among the most featured players at his position.

Despite missing the final three games and postseason with a shoulder injury, Miller played 543 snaps, the second most among fullbacks. The timing of Miller’s extension comes at a time when the Niners are trying to minimize their re-signings before the 2015 season, when QB Colin Kapernick will be due up for a maximum contract.