49ers sign Vance McDonald to 5-year extension worth reported $35M

The San Francisco 49ers have signed tight end Vance McDonald to a five-year contract extension. The deal is worth $35 million and includes $16 million in guarantees, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and Adam Caplan.

His contract's $7-million average annual value ranks 14th among tight ends, ahead of veteran Delanie Walker, Martellus Bennett, and Antonio Gates, according to Spotrac.com.

McDonald, who leads the 49ers in receiving touchdowns this season, was set to become a free agent this March.

"Vance has shown consistent growth throughout his four-year career and his production this season is the result of his dedication and hard work," said general manager. "We believe he has only scratched the surface of what he will be able to accomplish in his career.

"Vance is a tremendous ambassador for the 49ers, and his passion for helping others provides a wonderful example for this organization. We look forward to his continued contributions to this organization, both on and off the field."

The fourth-year pro has spent his entire career with the 49ers, who drafted him 55th overall in 2013. He has registered 24 catches for 391 receiving yards with four touchdowns in 2016.