49ers sign Patrick Willis to 5 year extension..

[Upton]

The San Francisco 49ers announced on Tuesday they have signed LB Patrick Willis to a five-year contract extension through the 2016 season. The 49ers originally selected Willis with the 11th overall pick of the 2007 NFL Draft.

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The heart and soul of the 49ers defense, Willis (6-1, 240) is a two-time first-team All-Pro and has been one of the league’s most dominant defensive players since he was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, in 2007. Since that time, he has become one of the surest tacklers in the NFL, leading all players with 467 tackles (9.7 per game), according to league rankings.

Willis has not missed a game during his professional career, starting 48 consecutive contests and leading the 49ers in tackles in each of his three NFL seasons. He has registered nine sacks, four interceptions, six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 29 passes defensed and 584 tackles, according to 49ers coaching records. A demon in pass coverage, Willis leads all NFL linebackers with 18 passes defensed, since 2008.

http://www.49ers.com/news-and-events/article-1/Willis-Signs-Five-Year-Extension/e44113de-0148-45c2-ada5-f9988ff88530

Is there a better ILB in the game?

This is great news for the 49ers and their fans....while it's not so good for those that have to face an aggressive hard hitting Niner defense led by Patrick Willis for years to come..

[Auggie]

1. Wow -- $29 million in guaranteed money

His salary goes from $900,000 to $11 million this year.

LINK: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/ninerinsider/detail?entry_id=62826

Yes, good news.

[JonLP24]

2. Great signing

There isn't a better player on that defense so it's good that they locked up for a few more years.