Ancient Oregon Ducks Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir is now among the highest paid at his position in the National Football League. His five-year, $92 million ($18.4 million per season) contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers makes him the 12th richest cornerback in the rankings. NFL this season.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning may never have had the opportunity to coach elite talent, but he should be excited about what this pay raise will do for his future recruitment at defensive back.

Through nine games this season with the Niners, Lenoir has two interceptions (tied for 17th), 53 total tackles (tied for 65th), six pass deflections (tied for 34th), and one fumble forced (tied for 34th). No. 34). He has been one of the most versatile players in the 49ers franchise since his arrival. written returning in 2021 with the No. 172 overall pick in the fifth round. Lenoir has the ability to be placed wherever he is asked within the 49ers elite defense like the outside corner or in the slot when in a nickel package.

“He’s exactly what you want a 49er to play like. He started out great, made a few mistakes early as a rookie and lost a little confidence, I thought, in his first year. Then that second season, the way he came back in the offseason, kind of just possessed to get that job back, and he’s owned it ever since. He’s been a stud for me for a while, and he’s getting better. every year.”

– Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco coach

The old Duck spent his whole life college career from 2017 to 2020 in Eugene. Lenoir put up spectacular numbers during that stretch with 159 total tackles, six interceptions, 21 pass deflections and two forced fumbles in 47 games played. He earned a spot on the Associated Press Pac-12 All-Conference second team in back-to-back seasons in 2019 and 2020 for his efforts. Oregon would not have won the 2020 Rose Bowl against Wisconsin without its two vital fumble recoveries.

Lenoir deserves every penny that general manager John Lynch and the rest of the San Francisco front office pay him, as he has proven to be one of the best cornerbacks since. enter the league.