SANTA CLARA, Calif. (March 25, 2005) -- Linebacker Julian Peterson signed a one-year tender offer with the San Francisco 49ers, who had named him their franchise player for the second successive season.
Peterson's salary will be 20 percent greater than last season, when he played only five games before tearing his Achilles' tendon.
Peterson, a two-time Pro Bowl player and an All-Pro in 2003, sat out every minicamp and most of training camp last season after turning down a six-year offer in a futile attempt to become the NFL's highest-paid defensive player.
Though he still hasn't completed his rehabilitation from surgery on his Achilles', Peterson signed the deal so he can attend meetings next weekend at the 49ers' first minicamp under new coach Mike Nolan. The coaching staff intends to install a 3-4 defense that should take greater advantage of Peterson's talents.
Peterson is expected to be healthy in time for training camp in July.
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
Copyright 2005, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved
