SANTA CLARA, CA – NaVorro Bowman had to tell someone about his hefty new contract before it became public. And there was pal Patrick Willis first thing Tuesday before they began their morning workout. The 49ers’ inside linebacker pair of Bowman and Willis will be lining up together on San Francisco’s talented defense well into the future if all goes as planned.

On Tuesday, Bowman reached agreement on a five-year contract extension through the 2018 season – a deal worth $45.25 million, with $25.5 million in guaranteed money.