The San Francisco 49ers have reached an agreement on a three-year contract extension for wide receiver Marquise Goodwin, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The deal is worth $20.3 million in total, with $10 million guaranteed, according to the report. The move has been announced by the 49ers, though the contract numbers are still via the report.
Goodwin was considered an underachiever in his first four years in the league with the Buffalo Bills, a team that experienced about as much upheaval and instability as the 49ers did over that time. He hit freea gency, and the 49ers signed him to a two-year contract, letting go of the more-expensive Torrey Smith for what many felt was at least a lateral move in the “deep threat” department.
He became an instant hit in the locker room, and also had the best season of his career, despite three different starting quarterbacks. In 16 games, Goodwin, caught 56 passes for 962 yards and two touchdowns, with an average of 17.2 yards per reception.
“From the minute Marquise joined our team, he has shown us everything we want to see in a 49er,” said general manager John Lynch. “He leads by example with a tremendous work ethic, a trait that helped him expand his repertoire as a football player and post his most successful season as a pro last year. Marquise earned this extension by coming in every day focused on doing his job and, as a result, he made himself and his teammates better.”
Goodwin had a career year despite he and his wife losing their unborn son due to pregnancy complications, and despite the death of his father, both within a five week span. He became an inspirational player for teammates, coaches and, of course, his fans. His first touchdown on the year, 83 yards, came just hours after the loss of his child.
I’m excited to see where Goodwin goes from here.