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49ers Sign TE Vance McDonald to a Five-year Contract Extension

The San Francisco 49ers announced on Friday that they have signed tight end Garrett Celek to a five-year contract extension through the 2021 season.

"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 Trent Baalke. "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."

McDonald (6-4, 267) was originally drafted by the 49ers in the second round (55th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft. He has appeared in 47 games (29 starts) with San Francisco and registered 64 receptions for 866 yards (13.5 average) and seven touchdowns. 

In 2016, McDonald has tallied 24 receptions while setting career highs in receiving yards (391), receiving average (16.3), touchdown receptions (four) and longest reception (75t). With touchdown receptions of 65 and 75 yards this season, McDonald is only the fourth tight end since the merger in 1970, and the first since 1997 (Shannon Sharpe, Den.) to register two touchdown receptions of 65-or-more yards in the same season. His 16.3 receiving average on the year ranks second among tight ends in the NFL (minimum 20 receptions) only behind New England's Rob Gronkowski (21.6).

McDonald is also one of the 49ers most active members in the community, being named a co-recipient of the 49ers Community Service Family Award in 2015 with his wife Kendi. From mission trips in Haiti and Nicaragua, to holiday and military events, McDonald has used his NFL platform to help as many people as possible. McDonald has also worked extensively with "Convoy of Hope," a faith-based, nonprofit organization with a driving passion to feed the world through children's feeding initiatives, community outreaches and disaster response.

A 26-year-old native of Winnie, Texas, McDonald attended Rice University, where he appeared in 42 career games (28 starts) for the Owls, and was a two-time First-Team All-Conference USA selection. McDonald finished his career ranked seventh in school history with 119 receptions, sixth in receiving yards (1,504) and tied for fifth in touchdown receptions (15).

From the Senior Bowl, to the NFL Combine and through his first four seasons with the 49ers, check out the top photos of McDonald's career.

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