49ers show confidence in Brooks with lucrative deal

Share

There were whispers around the 49ers since the time Ahmad Brooks arrived in 2008 about his inability to learn the defense.Those weren't whispers for Brooks. And he simply did not believe the reasons he heard for why he was not an every-down player."There were a few coaches . . . who told me that personally," Brooks said Tuesday.
Brooks was an every-down player for the 49ers in 2011. And he'll be an every-down player for the foreseeable future after signing a six-year contract extension. The deal will pay Brooks 44.5 million with 17.5 million in guaranteed money, agent Greg Williams told the San Jose Mercury News.NEWS: 49ers sign LB Brooks to six-year extension
"From the time I got in the NFL, I felt like I should've been starting," Brooks said. "And coaches will always give me the excuse, 'Well, he doesn't know the defense.' 'He can't learn the defense.' That's a lie -- that's always been a lie. We practice the same things every day. How can I not remember what I practice every day?"The current 49ers' coaching staff, obviously, had no issues with Brooks' ability to grasp the defense. Brooks excelled in Vic Fangio's scheme with seven sacks while being a key full-time component in the team's success.Brooks signed his contract to remain with the club just three weeks before he would've been eligible to test the open market as an unrestricted free agent."It's great to be here with the organization that gave me a chance to showcase my abilities," Brooks said. "We have a great team, great organization and I'm glad to be a part of it."This is where I feel like I should be. These are the people who gave me a chance to go out and get this contract. Who's to say if I'd gone to free agency I would've gotten more money. Getting as much money as you can sounds good, but what team is going to give you the best opportunity to win? The 49ers are headed in that direction of being the best team."

Contact Us