DONE DEAL: The San Francisco 49ers Sign Defensive Lineman C.J. West to Four-Year, $134 Million Contract
June 13, 2025 | Santa Clara, CA — By 49ers Beat Staff Writer
The San Francisco 49ers have made a blockbuster move to reinforce their already formidable defense. On Friday, the team officially announced the signing of star defensive lineman C.J. West to a four-year, $134 million contract, including $90 million guaranteed. The deal makes West one of the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history and reinforces the 49ers’ commitment to building through elite defensive talent.
The signing comes just months after the team’s heart-wrenching loss in Super Bowl LIX, and it signals that the front office is not content with coming up short. With this acquisition, the 49ers are clearly doubling down on their defensive identity in a bid to make another championship run in 2025.
“This is a defining moment for our team,” said 49ers General Manager John Lynch. “C.J. West is a generational talent — explosive, disciplined, and relentless. He brings championship-level intensity every snap, and he’s a perfect fit for our locker room and our culture.”
West’s Rise to Stardom
C.J. West, 27, has emerged as one of the most dominant interior defensive linemen in the NFL over the past three seasons. Drafted in the first round by the New Orleans Saints in 2019, West quickly developed into a game-wrecking presence. In 2023 and 2024, he earned back-to-back Pro Bowl selections and was named First-Team All-Pro last season.
In 2024, West posted a career-high 12 sacks, 17 tackles for loss, and 30 quarterback pressures — incredible numbers for a player lining up primarily at defensive tackle. His ability to collapse the pocket from the interior has made him a nightmare for opposing offenses and a centerpiece in any defensive scheme.
“San Francisco just felt right,” said West at his introductory press conference. “The culture, the passion, the tradition — it’s everything I want to be part of. I’m here to win, and I believe this team is ready to finish what they started.”
A Defensive Front Unlike Any Other
West now joins a 49ers defense that already features 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa, All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, and veteran lineman Arik Armstead. With the addition of West, the 49ers may now boast the most intimidating front seven in the league.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed excitement about the impact West will have both on and off the field.
“C.J. is going to make everyone around him better,” Shanahan said. “You can’t double-team everyone, and when you have players like Bosa and West on the same line, it creates chaos. That’s what we’re aiming for.”
Cap Flexibility and Long-Term Vision
While the contract is sizable, the structure reportedly allows the 49ers some flexibility. According to sources, the deal is front-loaded with cap maneuverability in the third and fourth years, providing the team room to retain other key players such as wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and safety Talanoa Hufanga.
The move also sends a clear signal that San Francisco is not rebuilding — it’s reloading. The 49ers have consistently ranked among the NFL’s best defenses under coordinator Steve Wilks, and the front office is doing its part to ensure that dominance continues.
Fan Reaction and What’s Next
News of the signing has energized the 49ers fanbase, with many taking to social media to celebrate what they see as a championship-caliber move.
“C.J. West is a monster,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “Pairing him with Bosa? Nobody’s going to stop us now.”
With training camp just weeks away, expectations are soaring in the Bay Area. The 49ers are entering the 2025 season not just as contenders, but as favorites — and C.J. West is now a key piece of that puzzle.
