49ers, Young Close To Contract Extension

A year ago, Steve Young ran for his life. Wednesday, he should run to the nearest vault.

At last, the 49ers’ quarterback will gain a six-year contract that makes him the richest player in team history. The deal, rumored for two weeks, will be announced today at a news conference expected to be attended by Young, team president Carmen Policy, team owner Eddie DeBartolo and Young’s agent, Leigh Steinberg.

Terms of the agreement were not available, but figure Young to make at least $6 million a year. New England’s Drew Bledsoe does. So does Troy Aikman of Dallas. And both are Steinberg clients.

What’s more, Jacksonville’s Mark Brunell this week signed a five-year, $30.5 million deal after Green Bay’s Brett Favre set the standard with a seven-year, $47.25 million contract settled late last week.

“It feels good to be able to sign on and have some stability,” Young said. “I think it’s important for me, and the team will have a much better sense of what it has to do. So it’s good for everybody.”

Young, who was signed through this season, will extend his contract through 2002 - effectively guaranteeing he will retire as a 49er. Young, who turns 36 in October, has not addressed the issue of retirement - even after suffering two concussions last year - and he kept his record perfect Tuesday.