It wasn’t so long ago that Trent Baalke suddenly emerged as San Francisco’s personnel leader in the wake of Scot McCloughan’s controversial, sudden departure from the team.
Two years later, Baalke is now among the most entrenched general managers in the season. The 49ers announced Friday that Baalke signed a three-year extension through 2016.
Baalke was named Executive of the Year by the Pro Football Writers Association for the 2011 season, which was Baalke’s first official year as G.M. In 2010, he essentially had the role on an interim basis.
The 49ers’ success this last season can more directly be attributed to Jim Harbaugh and McCloughan’s draft picks, but Baalke had a magic touch in free agency last year.
Dashon Goldson, David Akers, Carlos Rodgers, Ray McDonald, and Donte Whitner will all crucial signings for the team last year.