The 49ers and Bruce Miller have agreed to a three-year contract extension for the fullback, reports Bill Williamson of ESPN.com (via Twitter). According to Williamson (via Twitter), Miller’s new deal will make him one of the highest paid fullbacks in the NFL.
Miller, who suffered a broken scapula in Week 15, would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency following the 2014 season. The former seventh-round pick rated as a top-five fullback in the league last season according to Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required), contributing primarily as a blocker but also catching 25 passes out of the backfield.
Williamson reported earlier in the week that the two sides were engaged in extension talks and suggested that the Niners were excited for Miller to assume a bigger role in 2014. With Anthony Dixon no longer on the roster, the 26-year-old Miller could see more short-yardage opportunities.