SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations says the San Francisco 49ers have reached agreement on a five-year contract with defensive lineman Ray McDonald.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press on Wednesday because free agent deals can’t become official — or be formally announced — until Friday.
McDonald was high on new general manager Trent Baalke’s list of players to bring back for 2011 and beyond. He could become a starter at defensive end depending on how the roster shakes out. The 26-year-old McDonald has started only nine games in his first four NFL seasons, all in 2008.
He recorded 19 tackles last season for San Francisco (6-10) and returned his lone interception 31 yards for his first career touchdown.
