49ers Extended A 4-Year Contract to NaVorro Bowman — What Can We Expect From The Linebacker?

The San Francisco 49ers have announced that they are going to offer a four-year contract to the linebacker NaVorro Bowman, and he will play with the team until the 2022 season.

According to 49ers General Manager Trent Baalke, NaVorro has been a “cornerstone” of their team, and they wanted to prioritize the security of his future.

“The perseverance he displayed while overcoming adversity and returning to his All-Pro form provides a great example of what can be accomplished through hard work and self-belief. This contract extension reaffirms our core philosophy of rewarding our own players and we are thrilled to know NaVorro will play his entire career with the 49ers.”

This announcement is a blessing for the former Penn State football player since according to Yahoo, his spot in the team was not secured yet. However, Bowman proved everyone wrong.

He played his best during his last All-Pro season, and he has been picked to play a first-team. This was an impressive comeback for the linebacker since he had a terrible knee injury during 2014.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted that Bowman’s contract extension is worth $44 million, and $20 million was guaranteed.

So 49ers' LB Navorro Bowman gets 4-year, $44 million extension with 3 years left on his deal. This will get attention of teams and players.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 4, 2016

All in all, Bowman is set to play for seven more seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. There really is no threat to Bowman’s contract being terminated because other teams are pitching for him. However, the 49ers wanted to pin him down for the next four years of his career.

NaVorro Bowman has been one of the best linebackers of the season. Born in Maryland, Bowman started playing sports at a very young age. He even joined the District Heights boys and girls club, where he became a star player for both the football and basketball teams.

Bowman’s natural talent stood out as he grew older. At his high school, Suitland High School, he was invited to major all-star events, though he suffered a shoulder injury during his senior year. However, Bowman made a mark during his junior year after a record of 165 tackles, 9 sacks, 3 fumbles, and 22 touchdowns. He was also crowned as Maryland’s Defensive Player-of-the-Year.

In the team-issued response, NaVorro Bowman expressed how thankful he is of the opportunity.

“I want to thank Jed (York, the team CEO), the York family and Trent for giving me the opportunity to continue my career where my heart is… My teammates and coaches have meant so much to me throughout my career and I thank them for helping me become the player I am today.”

“The support I’ve received from my family and friends throughout my life, especially through the adversity of the past few years, has meant so much to me. I can’t wait for the season to start and play in front of the best fans in the NFL.”

Bowman is now considered as the leader of the 49ers’ defense. He was originally drafted by the team during the 2010 NFL Draft. During his tenure in the NFL, he has already received the Associated Press First-Team All-Pro honors four times. Appearing in 80 different games, Bowman has a pro record of 733 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 3 intercepts, 1 touchdown, and 25 passes defensed.

With his massive comeback, NaVorro Bowman is just expected to be one of the key players for the San Francisco 49ers.

NaVorro Bowman also created the NaVorro Bowman 4^th and Goal Foundation that helps children throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The foundation helps provide state-of-the-art playgrounds for low-income schools so kids could have a more conducive play environment.

[Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images]