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Well, this is something moderately positive I suppose. Matt Barrows and Matt Maiocco are reporting the San Francisco 49ers have signed tight end Derek Carrier to a 2-year contract extension that could be worth up to $3.3 million. Carrier was signed through the 2015 season, and would have then become a restricted free agent. This signs him through his RFA tender year, which means he will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2017 season.
Carrier appeared in 11 games this season, before being placed on injured reserve in late November following a foot injury. In those 11 games, Carrier caught nine passes for 105 yards. He saw a boost in playing time due to numerous injuries at the position. Garrett Celek dealt with a back problem, and Vernon Davis and Vance McDonald both dealt with injuries throughout the season.
The entire group returns in 2015. There has been some suggestion in mock drafts that the 49ers could draft a tight end at some point. With Davis set to hit free agency after next year, it would not be a surprise. Or they could simply let it ride with this group and rebuild the unit next year if need be.