Lynch explains 49ers additions of McKinnon, Richburg

The 49ers on Wednesday announced the club has agreed to terms with running back Jerick McKinnon and center-guard Weston Richburg.

McKinnon will sign a four-year contract, while Richburg comes to the team on a five-year deal.

“Jerick and Weston were both at the top of our priority list heading into free agency, and being able to lock them in quickly was important to us,” 49ers general manager John Lynch said in a statement.

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“Both men embody the 49ers spirit and check almost all the boxes on the list of characteristics we look for in a player. Most importantly, they are passionate about the game, have a desire to be great and are dedicated to doing what’s necessary to win in this league.”

McKinnon (5-9, 205) played his first four NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. McKinnon appeared in 58 games with 14 starts. He had 474 rushing attempts for 1,918 yards and seven touchdowns. McKinnon also caught 142 passes for 984 yards and five touchdowns. He appeared in three playoff games games and carried 20 times for 81 yards and one touchdown, while catching 17 passes for 114 yards.

Richburg (6-4, 300) was a second-round draft pick of the New York Giants in 2014. He appeared in 51 regular season games with 50 starts, as well as one start in the postseason. Richburg made 15 starts at left guard as a rookie. Every start since his rookie season was at center.

“We see Weston as one of the top young interior offensive linemen in the NFL,” Lynch said. “His athleticism, intelligence and attitude are a perfect fit for our scheme. Jerick has proven to be an extremely versatile football player whose speed, elusiveness and tackle-breaking ability make him a very difficult matchup for defenses. We can’t wait to get them on the field with their teammates and coaches later this spring.”