Vance McDonald - Pro Football Rumors

Steelers Restructure Vance McDonald’s Deal

August 28th, 2018 at 6:10pm CST by Sam Robinson

A franchise big on reworking contracts made another cap space-clearing move on Tuesday. The Steelers adjusted Vance McDonald‘s deal, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.

The Steelers tight end agreed to convert $3MM of his base salary into a signing bonus, Schefter reports. This move will free up more than $2MM in cap room. The Steelers came into Tuesday with $3.6MM in cap space — the second-lowest total in the league — and frequently utilize this tactic.

Both Vince Williams and Chris Boswell agreed to extensions last week, and Le’Veon Bell is attached to a $14.5MM salary this season. The Steelers restructured Stephon Tuitt and David DeCastro‘s deals earlier this year. They’ve been big on base-to-bonus conversions in recent years, with VP of football and business administration Omar Khan convincing ownership this strategy would benefit the team as the salary cap continues to rise by approximately $10MM annually.

McDonald is attached to a five-year, $32.5MM extension he signed with the 49ers in late 2016. The new San Francisco regime traded the tight end to Pittsburgh last year.

49ers Trade TE Vance McDonald To Steelers

August 29th, 2017 at 11:22am CST by Zachary Links

The 49ers have traded tight end Vance McDonald to the Steelers, as Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. San Francisco receives a 2018 fourth-round pick in the swap while the Steelers get a fifth-round choice back in return.

McDonald was projected to be the Niners’ starter at tight end this year. Now, they’ll turn to fifth-round rookie George Kittle and veterans Garrett Celek and Logan Paulsen to fill the void.

The Niners signed McDonald to a five-year, $35MM extension in December, but the new regime is not as wild about him as the old one was. New GM John Lynch shopped McDonald during the 2017 draft and was surprisingly candid about it when reports surfaced.

“That’s the reality of new regimes coming in, new schemes,” Lynch in April. “That’s not to say he can’t fit into our scheme. Frankly we received some interest from other people, then we did explore some options throughout the league with Vance. And nothing ended up happening, so Vance will come back and have an opportunity to compete.”

The Steelers tried to shake up the tight end position last year by signing Ladarius Green, but things did not go according to plan as he was hampered by injuries and concussions. This year, they’ve were planning to use Jesse James as their primary TE with support from David Johnson and Xavier Grimble. They weren’t completely satisfied with that bunch, however, and they capitalized on an opportunity add another experienced starter.

McDonald finished the 2016 on IR, but he closed out with a career-high 24 receptions for 391 yards and four touchdowns. Those numbers aren’t league-leading material, but it’s impressive that he was able to get going at all in one of the league’s worst passing attacks. We’re about to find out what McDonald is capable of doing in one of the league’s top aerial offenses.

NFC Notes: Vikings, Peterson, 49ers

May 27th, 2017 at 9:05am CST by Ben Levine

Vikings coach Mike Zimmer is taking some time off as he recovers from eye surgery, but the 60-year-old vowed that he’d be back before long.

“I’ll be back shortly. One eye or two, it really doesn’t matter. I’m going to be back,” Zimmer said (via Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune). “So we can put the retiring thing or whatever to bed quickly.”

The coach revealed that there haven’t been any setbacks since he underwent surgery earlier this month, and he indicated that a recent examination revealed that everything was progressing positvely. Zimmer is ultimately hoping to be back on the sideline in early June for organized team activities.

“I miss being in the meetings with players and I especially miss being out on the field, where I can give immediate feedback on technique and things like that,” he said.

Let’s check out some more notes from around the NFC…

During the NFL Draft, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan called tight end Vance McDonald to update him on potential trade talks. The 26-year-old offensive weapon appreciated his coach’s willingness to be completely transparent about the rumors. “Basically, it’s just like any other team in the NFL would do,” McDonald told Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. “If you’re a 2-14 team, obviously, there are a lot of things you can improve on, a lot of spots that need to be filled. There are a lot of things you need to improve upon in the offseason. So if teams are going to call and inquire about you, then obviously the next step is to … call around to every other team…So that’s exactly what happened to me. It isn’t like they don’t want me here. There was never a lack of communication on any level.” McDonald finished last season with career-highs in receiving yards (391) and touchdowns (four).
Running back Adrian Peterson is still trying to figure out his fit with the Saints, but his teammates are confident that his presence will result in one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. “I think he’s looking forward to that,” said fullback John Kuhn (via Brett Martel of the Associated Press). “Not to put words in his mouth, but everybody in here, especially on the offensive side, realizes that the more weapons that we have, the more explosive we can be.”
Cardinals wideout Jaron Brown was expected to play a significant role during the 2016 season, but a torn ACL ended his campaign prematurely. Despite the injury, the organization still decided to sign the former undrafted free agent to an extension. Now, Brown is hoping to repay the Cardinals for their good will gesture. “That meant a lot,” Brown told Kent Somers of AZCentral.com. “You don’t see that too many times, and it kind of shows that faith and loyalty in me to get back to where I was. It was good for both sides.”

49ers Discussed Vance McDonald Trade

April 29th, 2017 at 7:58pm CST by Zachary Links

After the conclusion of the draft, GM John Lynch confirmed to beat reporters that the 49ers explored options for a Vance McDonald trade. They were unable to find a suitable deal, however.

“That’s the reality of new regimes coming in, new schemes,” Lynch said Saturday (via Cam Inman of the Mercury News). “That’s not to say he can’t fit into our scheme. Frankly we received some interest from other people, then we did explore some options throughout the league with Vance. And nothing ended up happening, so Vance will come back and have an opportunity to compete.”

Lynch went on to say the 49ers will welcome back McDonald “with open arms.” Coach Kyle Shanahan added that “we want Vance here.” The Niners drafted tight end George Kittle in Saturday’s fifth round, but the GM says that’s not an indication that McDonald is being shipped out. For now, it sounds like McDonald is staying, but one has to wonder if he’ll remain on the block.

Just months ago, McDonald signed a five-year, $35MM extension. Three days after signing, he suffered a season-ending injury and was placed on IR. The 26-year-old (27 in June) had 24 catches and 391 yards in eleven games last year.

49ers Place Vance McDonald On IR

December 12th, 2016 at 4:28pm CST by Sam Robinson

Three days after signing Vance McDonald to a five-year extension, the 49ers sent the tight end to injured reserve, Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets.

A shoulder injury sustained in San Francisco’s 12th straight loss Sunday will end McDonald’s season, one where he claimed ownership of the 49ers’ tight end position for the foreseeable future. McDonald went down during the second quarter and did not return for the second half.

The 49ers claimed offensive lineman Josh Allen off waivers from the Buccaneers, Caplan reports (on Twitter) to take McDonald’s roster spot. McDonald will join key 49ers NaVorro Bowman, Eric Reid and Arik Armstead on IR.

The fourth-year player finishes the season with a career-high 24 receptions for 391 yards and four touchdowns, doing so in a San Francisco passing attack that’s been one of the worst in the league. Second-year player Blake Bell and former waiver claim Je’Ron Hamm comprise the 49ers’ tight end depth as they attempt to snap the longest losing streak in franchise history, one extended after an overtime loss to the Jets on Sunday.

McDonald signed a five-year, $35MM extension on Friday.

49ers Extend TE Vance McDonald

December 9th, 2016 at 8:57pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The 49ers announced tonight that they’ve signed tight end Vance McDonald to a five-year extension, locking him up through the 2021 campaign. The new deal is reportedly worth $35MM in total, including a $7MM signing bonus and $16MM in guarantees.

McDonald, 26, has become one of the few reliable weapons in the San Francisco offense during his fourth season in the league, and he’s already exceeded most of his career-highs with four contests still left to play. Through 10 starts, McDonald has posted 24 receptions for 391 yards and four touchdowns, the latter of which makes him the 49ers’ leader in scores. He’s split snaps this season with Garrett Celek, as both tight ends have played exactly 425 offensive snaps.

As the season comes to a close, many clubs with extra cap space will look to lock up younger players and take some of the financial hit immediately. The 49ers certainly fit that bill, as the team ranks second in the NFL with roughly $43MM in 2016 cap room. Certainly, San Francisco will carry over some of that space into 2017, but the Niners are set next year too: they rank seventh in the league with more than $46MM in projected cap room next season.

McDonald becomes the third member of the 49ers’ 2013 draft class to earn an extension, as Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee notes (Twitter link) that defenders Quinton Dial and Tank Carradine have also scored new deals. 2013 first-round safety Eric Reid has also seen his contract somewhat amended, as San Francisco has already exercised its 2017 fifth-year option on Reid.

McDonald’s new $7MM annual average places him near the bottom of the second tier of tight end contracts, and puts him directly between Coby Fleener and Delanie Walker in per year salary. McDonald’s reported guarantee of $16MM would rank third among tight ends, which likely means that the figure refers to an injury-only — rather than a full — guarantee.

Adam Schefter and Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (Twitter link) were the first to report the five-year deal, its total value, and its guarantee. Caplan reported the signing bonus (Twitter link).

NFC Notes: Cousins, 49ers, Bears, Lions

December 2nd, 2016 at 7:58pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

With a chance to collect upward of $58MM via the franchise tag over the next two offseasons, Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins has plenty of incentive not to sign a contract extension, argues Adam Schefter of ESPN. If the Redskins do tag Cousins the next two years, as they did this season, they won’t be able to again after the 2018 campaign. Assuming Cousins continues the pace he has set since midway through last season, he would then have the rare opportunity to hit the open market as an established starting QB. Cousins is reportedly seeking nearly $24MM per year on a long-term deal, and Schefter adds that the Redskins would have to include guarantees in excess of the aforementioned $58MM to lock him up.

NFC West Notes: Kaepernick, 49ers, Bennett

November 29th, 2016 at 11:40am CST by Zachary Links

The 49ers have a way forward with Colin Kaepernick at quarterback, Kevin Lynch of the San Francisco Chronicle argues. In Miami, Kaepernick ran for 113 yards and threw for 296 more with three touchdowns against one interception. While he can’t provide that kind of production every week, Lynch sees that as a glimpse of what Kaepernick is capable of doing in Chip Kelly‘s offense. It has been widely speculated that the Niners will move on from the controversial Kaepernick in the offseason, but it’s always difficult to find a capable QB and they might not find a ton of attractive options in the spring.

Here’s more out of the NFC West:

Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett appears to be on track to return following a five-game absence, John Boyle of Seahawks.com writes. “I visited with Mike, he thinks he’s on,” coach Pete Carroll said of Bennett, who had arthroscopic knee surgery last month. “We’ve got to get all the clearance from the doctors, but the trainers think he’s in good shape and ready to go, so we’re counting on him playing. He’s very positive about it, he’s really looking forward to getting back.”
49ers general manager Trent Baalke recently praised pending free agent tight end Vance McDonald, as Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee writes. “He’s gotten much more consistent, he’s doing a good job blocking,” Baalke said. “He’s a good all-around football player, and he has a chance in this scheme to do some things, as you say, because the matchups are favorable.” Barrows notes that among NFL tight ends with at least 20 receptions, McDonald is No. 2 behind New England’s Rob Gronkowski in averaging 17.4 yards per grab. There should be a lot of changes for the 1-10 Niners in the offseason, but McDonald could be playing his way on to the 2017 team.
The Rams, Cardinals, Seahawks, and Cardinals were all on hand to watch the tryouts of two rugby stars who are hoping to transition to the NFL.

NFC Notes: Guion, 49ers, Panthers, Cowboys

July 3rd, 2015 at 1:42pm CST by Luke Adams

Packers defensive tackle Letroy Guion is already at risk of being suspended for an arrest earlier this year, and now he’s facing a civil suit over a 2013 altercation in which no criminal charges were filed, writes Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. Seth Katz tells Demovsky that the suit is of “suspect nature” and that there’s “no basis for it.” While the suit is unlikely to lead to any discipline from the NFL, it’s the latest issue Guion has had to face in what has been a tumultuous offseason for the veteran defensive lineman.

Here’s more from around the NFC:

The 49ers, who selected 10 players in this year’s draft, have placed an emphasis on developing young players, which means some veterans may be in danger of losing their roster spots this fall. Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com identifies three Niners – tight end Vance McDonald, safety Craig Dahl, and outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks – whose places on the 53-man roster may not be completely secure.
The Panthers didn’t make a huge splash in free agency or on the trade market in recent months, as the 2015 offseason was all about keeping the team’s core intact, writes Max Henson of Panthers.com. Cam Newton, Greg Olsen, and Thomas Davis have each inked new contracts with Carolina since the start of March.
Considering how tight NFL playoff races can be, suspensions to key defensive players like Greg Hardy and Rolando McClain may have a noticeable effect on the Cowboys‘ postseason chances, says Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com. Earlier today, we asked whether McClain’s four-game ban would negatively impact the Cowboys more than Sheldon Richardson‘s and Antonio Gates‘ suspensions would impact the Jets and Chargers, respectively.

49ers Activate NaVorro Bowman

December 9th, 2014 at 1:37pm CST by Luke Adams

1:37pm: San Francisco has confirmed the activation of Bowman, announcing that tight end Vance McDonald is being placed on injured reserve to make room for the linebacker.

1:33pm: The 49ers have activated linebacker NaVorro Bowman to their 53-man roster in advance of today’s deadline, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (Twitter link). Bowman had spent the season on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, and had to be either activated or placed on season-ending injured reserve today.

Bowman, 26, has spent the better part of a year recovering from a significant knee injury he suffered during last season’s playoffs. Having accumulated 145 tackles, five sacks, six forced fumbles, and a pair of interceptions in 2013, Bowman played a major role in one of the league’s best defensive units, and the 49ers missed him and suspended linebacker Aldon Smith during the first half of this season.

Although Smith returned to the field last month, it remains to be seen whether Bowman will actually see action during the regular season’s final three weeks. Ed Werder of ESPN.com (via Twitter) reported earlier today that the injured Niner wasn’t expected to play again this year, so it comes as a bit of a surprise that he’s even being activated, particularly since the club will need to cut a player to complete the transaction.

Players on the PUP list, like Bowman, get a three-week window between when they start practicing and when their teams must make a final decision on their status. While Bowman’s window began three weeks ago today, he has yet to step on the practice field with his teammates, according to Maiocco.