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This is what I get for going out for a couple drinks tonight. While I was out, the San Francisco 49ers have taken the first step toward securing their secondary of the future on Friday. The 49ers have agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension with Tramaine Brock. The deal is worth $16 million and includes $7 million in guaranteed money.
Brock has put together a strong season, finally emerging as a legitimate cornerback option. Heading into training camp he competed with Nnamdi Asomugha for the team's nickel back role. According to defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Nnamdi secured the role because of an injury to Brock during camp. However, Brock took over the role when Asomugha suffered a knee injury. Brock put together some great performances, and that led to the 49ers eventually releasing Asomugha.
Brock has now moved into the starting lineup, even if it is only temporary this season. Starting cornerback Tarell Brown suffered what has been described as a cracked rib. Odds are pretty good he will not play on Monday against Washington, and Brock will get the start in his place. This moves Eric Wright into the nickel back role.
The 49ers have plenty of work left to do this season, but there are roster decisions to be made after the season. With this move, the team now has Brock, Chris Culliver and Darryl Morris through at least next season. Carlos Rogers is also signed to a long-term deal, but given the cap numbers involved, the team is likely to ask him to renegotiate, or simply release him. Tarell Brown and Eric Wright are both free agents. There was a report from CBS Sports that the 49ers was close to a deal with Brown, but CSN Bay Area shot that down. I imagine we'll see the 49ers spend some 2014 draft capital on the cornerback position.