Photo Credit: 49ers.com
The San Francisco 49ers announced last Wednesday they have signed punter Andy Lee to a six-year contract extension through the 2018 season.
San Francisco originally selected Lee in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft with the 188th overall pick.
The three-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro (6-2, 180) established himself as one of the NFL’s most productive punters since entering the league.
In 2011, Lee, 29, set the NFL single-season record in net punting average (44 yards), while his gross average (50.9 yards) ranked third in NFL history.
H also set the 49ers single-game franchise records in both gross punting average (59.6 yards) and net average (54.2 yards) against the Seattle Seahawks last season (Sept. 11).
“The 49ers are pleased to have reached a long term contract extension with Andy,” said General Manager Trent Baalke, in a released statement. “Andy has established himself as one of the top players in the game at his position. He is a valued member of our organization and community. As we stated earlier this year, it is our objective to keep the core of this team together long term, and this is just another step in that direction.”
The 6-2, 180-pound punter played in 128 games as a 49er, and holds the team records in all major punting categories: punts (723), yards (33,069), gross average (45.7), net average (38.9) and punts downed inside the 20-yard line (209).
Since 2007, Lee’s gross punting average (47.9 yards) and net average (40.7 yards)—both rank 2nd in the NFL in that span, while his total number of punts downed inside the 20-yard line (147) ranks 3rd.
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