In shocking news today it appears that the San Francisco 49ers will lose two of their best players moving forward as ILB Patrick Willis and DE Justin Smith have decided to retire. Smith, however is not 100% sure yet.
49ers.com
A report by CSN Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco as sources have told him that they will now hang up their cleats, it will be up to others to step up and be the next man up. Luckily for the 49ers they have second-year phenom ILB Chris Borland in their back pocket while just recently signing DE Darnell Dockett away from the Arizona Cardinals.
NinerFans.com
A seven-time Pro Bowl selection and five-time first-team All-Pro, Willis has recorded 950 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 8 interceptions, 53 pass break-ups and 16 forced fumbles.
Originally a first-round draft pick (No. 11) in the 2007 NFL Draft, Willis has been the heart and soul of the 49ers defense and will surely be missed.
Michael Macor/The Chronicle
Smith on the other hand came to the 49ers as a free-agent back in 2008 and has been a stud since. In seven seasons in San Francisco, Smith record 414 tackles, 43.5 sacks, and one interception while being named to the Pro Bowl five-times including three first-team All-Pro selections.
Originally a first-round pick (No. 4) of the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2001 NFL Draft, Smith has been one of the best free-agent signings the 49ers ever had. In
A sad week for Forever Faithful as the team already lost RB Frank Gore, you can be sure others will follow as G Mike Iupati, WR Michael Crabtree, and OLB Ahmad Brooks are next.
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