Fresh off signing his five-year deal worth $47.5 million, one of the San Francisco 49ers' two newest players, center Weston Richburg, joined Kale Steed of the Amarillo Globe-News on "The Press Pass" podcast on Thursday.
"It's been life-changing," Richburg said of joining the 49ers via free agency. "I'm very blessed. God has given me more than enough. I thought getting drafted was cool. I thought getting married was great. And this is right up there with them. Obviously, below getting married. It's hard to put into words right now, really."
Richburg was asked if it was tough leaving the New York Giants, the team that drafted him in 2014 and the only franchise he's played for during his four NFL seasons.
"I don't think it's tough," he answered. "That's part of how this thing works. You play your rookie contract, and then you have the opportunity to either sign back or enter the free agent market. That's what makes free agency so great is you get to go and see what you're worth, and maybe go somewhere else. I'm happy with how everything went, and I'm really excited about this next phase."
Richburg said he was impressed with how the 49ers ended 2017. The team won their final five games of the season with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo as the starter. He's excited for the opportunity to play with San Francisco.
"I think there's lots of good things ahead for the organization," Richburg said. "To be a part of that is very exciting."
There has been some discussion regarding where Richburg will play on the offensive line. While he has experience at guard due to injuries along the Giants offensive line during his rookie year, his natural position is center. Many believe Richburg will compete with Daniel Kilgore, who recently signed a three-year extension, for the starting center job with the loser possibly moving to guard.
"We haven't discussed that yet," Richburg said. "I'm sure that will come up."
You can listen to the entire interview with Richburg below, which begins at about the 6:50 mark.
