SANTA CLARA — Deommodore Lenoir’s NFL career didn’t get off to the best start when he accidentally posted an offseason workout video on social media that led to a fine for the San Francisco 49ers and coach Kyle Shanahan for violating rules prohibiting contact in practice.

He also had issues on the field early in his rookie career, allowing a long catch to Davante Adams that scored a game-winning field goal for Green Bay in his third career game, which was a blow to his confidence .

Lenoir has grown a lot since those inauspicious beginnings, becoming the rare cornerback capable of thriving both inside and outside, earning him a lucrative reward when he signed a 92 million contract extension dollars over five years that firmly established Lenoir as one of the best players at his position.

“When I heard my agent tell me the deal was finally done, I burst into tears,” Lenoir said Wednesday. “I can finally change my family’s life for generations. It’s just a blessing.”

Lenoir has come a long way since falling to the fifth round of the 2021 draft and having a slow start to his career. But the flashes were there from the start, even in the practice video Lenoir posted, showing him jamming a receiver, which resulted in a $100,000 fine for the team and $50,000 for Shanahan.

“It was the first time I got mad at him, but I was really excited about it,” Shanahan said. “Despite what it took away from my children’s school fees. But it showed we had the right type of guy and he’s always been like that. The fact that he can play nickel inside and play the way he does and play and cover guys on the outside, (those are) the types of guys you want in the secondary and a special type of corner.

Lenoir was initially afraid he would be cut off when he saw the video posted on social media and on “SportsCenter.” But now he can joke about it.

“I can finally reimburse Kyle for Carter’s tuition,” he said.

Lenoir earned the big salary that makes him the 12th highest-paid cornerback in the league based on average annual contract value.

Lenoir has emerged as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL this season, excelling both in the slot and on the outside for San Francisco. Lenoir has split time at both positions, allowing 35 catches on 56 targets this season with a passer rating of 65 on throws in his coverage, according to Pro Football Focus.

“It’s hard enough to cover on the outside,” All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner said. “You usually find a guy who is good in coverage or a bigger guy who is good in the run game. But to find a guy who could do both at as high a level as him, I think he’s having an All-Pro type year.

Lenoir has not allowed a single TD pass and has two interceptions, six passes defended and a forced fumble. He also returned a blocked field goal for a touchdown.

“He deserved it as much as anyone,” defensive end Nick Bosa said. “I think he’s an underrated player in terms of recognition in the league. But everyone in this building knows how valuable he is.

Locking up Lenoir was a priority for the 49ers. Their top two cornerbacks were also eligible for free agency with Charvarius Ward in the final year of his contract.

They now have Lenoir and promising rookie Renardo Green in place for the long term at cornerback. The Niners attempted to complete the deal before the season, but the two sides were unable to come to an agreement.

They found common ground this week with a deal that keeps him off the open market.

“I knew this was where I wanted to be,” Lenoir said. “I hope we could have done something sooner, but I’m happy we did something, and I’m here, and I’m staying here for the rest of my career. … Just being able to play with all these great guys. I had no choice but to try to be great.

Remarks

Bosa (hip), TE George Kittle (hamstring), LT Trent Williams (ankle, rest) and DT Kevin Givens (groin) did not practice. Shanahan said he expects Kittle and Bosa to play this week. … RB Christian McCaffrey (Achilles tendon) was limited after making his season debut Sunday as the team managed its workload. … P Mitch Wishnowsky (back) also did not practice and the team signed Pat O’Donnell to the practice squad in case he is needed Sunday. … Ward remains away from the team following the death of his 1-year-old daughter on Oct. 28. Shanahan said Ward told him he would return “as soon as possible.”