Breaking: 49ers Lock Down Rising Star Lenoir with Massive $92M Deal
In a stunning move that’s sending shockwaves through the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers have secured their defensive future by signing cornerback Deommodore Lenoir to a whopping five-year, $92 million extension.
The deal, announced Tuesday in Santa Clara, transforms the former fifth-round draft pick into one of the NFL’s top-paid cornerbacks. At $18.4 million per season, Lenoir now ranks 12th among all cornerbacks in annual salary—a remarkable achievement for a player selected late in the 2021 draft.
“He is exactly what you want a 49er to play like,” Coach Kyle Shanahan praised, highlighting Lenoir’s incredible journey from rookie struggles to defensive stardom.
The timing couldn’t be better for the 23-year-old defender, who’s having a breakout season. Through nine games, Lenoir has racked up 53 tackles, forced a fumble, and snagged two interceptions. Even more impressive, opposing quarterbacks have struggled when targeting him, managing just a 66.5 passer rating.
But what makes Lenoir truly special is his versatility. He’s mastered both outside corner and slot positions, a rare skill in today’s NFL. Last season, he played 570 snaps at the outside corner and 311 in the slot, showing his ability to adapt and excel wherever needed.
One of Lenoir’s season highlights came in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals, when he scooped up a blocked field goal and sprinted 61 yards for a touchdown. This play perfectly showcased his playmaking ability and football instincts.
The extension marks another success story in the 49ers’ talent development program. Lenoir joins an impressive list of mid-to-late round draft picks who’ve earned big paydays with the team, including Fred Warner, George Kittle, and Dre Greenlaw.
Looking ahead, the 49ers still face important decisions with other key players heading to free agency, including cornerback Charvarius Ward, safety Talanoa Hufanga, and guard Aaron Banks. However, securing Lenoir’s future was clearly a top priority for the organization.
For Lenoir, this contract represents more than just financial security—it’s validation of his hard work and development. In August, he informed reporters that he desired recognition among the NFL’s elite corners prior to signing any extension. His patience and confidence have now paid off handsomely.
The 49ers, currently sitting at 5-4 and battling in a tight NFC West race, have shown their commitment to building a sustainable winning culture by rewarding homegrown talent. With Lenoir locked down through his prime years, San Francisco’s secondary looks set for the foreseeable future.
This extension clearly communicates to players and fans that San Francisco rewards excellence as the team prepares for their upcoming games. For Deommodore Lenoir, the journey from fifth-round pick to $92 million cornerback is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting chapter in 49ers history.