Mr. P Posted March 9, 2015 Share Posted March 9, 2015 The San Francisco 49ers continue to see dramatic changes in a franchise only a year removed from three straight NFC title game appearances. From coach Jim Harbaugh leaving (mutually or otherwise) to running back Frank Gore signing with the Eagles on Tuesday to the unexpected departure of receiver Michael Crabtree to the possible loss of guard Mike Iupati, the exodus of talented players continue. The next two dominoes to fall will be linebacker Patrick Willis and defensive lineman Justin Smith. Willis is the surprise that was referred to earlier today, and it’s a major one. Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com reports Willis is strongly considering retirement. As PFT hears it, it’s a done deal, with the formal announcement coming Tuesday. Per multiple league sources, Smith also is done — although that’s not a surprise. The 14-year veteran joined the 49ers as a free agent in 2008, and he had been in many respects the cornerstone of the defense. Willis, a first-round pick in 2008 who turned 30 in January, is under contract through 2016. Smith is under contract through 2015. Their retirements could result in the partial repayment of bonus money they both previously received; whether that issue will be pursued will be up the to 49ers. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/09/patrick-willis-justin-smith-retiring-from-49ers/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herc Posted March 9, 2015 Share Posted March 9, 2015 holy shit he's only 30 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sephiroth Posted March 9, 2015 Share Posted March 9, 2015 That team is going to suck SO BAD next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fringe Posted March 9, 2015 Share Posted March 9, 2015 That team is going to suck SO BAD next year. and for years to come. that's probably a big part of Willis's decision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazedDogs Posted March 9, 2015 Share Posted March 9, 2015 well, I know a team that could really use a hell of a linebacker.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sephiroth Posted March 9, 2015 Share Posted March 9, 2015 Chris Borland is good too, for sure... but Mike Tomsula totally reminds me of Ray Handley. Take away all the players they're losing and the strength of their division and I see a 5-11 season on the horizon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fringe Posted March 9, 2015 Share Posted March 9, 2015 Chris Borland is good too, for sure... but Mike Tomsula totally reminds me of Ray Handley. Take away all the players they're losing and the strength of their division and I see a 5-11 season on the horizon. Borland is good when used correctly. He can't cover a receiver for beans. They also lost Gore, I think. The team is being ripped apart at the core. It's like the Florida Marlins. There's a rumor they were shopping Kaepernick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmenroc Posted March 9, 2015 Share Posted March 9, 2015 If only this were a division rival that was falling apart... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueInCanada Posted March 9, 2015 Share Posted March 9, 2015 If only this were a division rival that was falling apart... To be fair the Redskins have been imploding since Snyder bought the team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NightFire Posted March 9, 2015 Share Posted March 9, 2015 well, I know a team that could really use a hell of a linebacker.... Reese sign the man already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazedDogs Posted March 9, 2015 Share Posted March 9, 2015 would have to trade for him, unless San Fran grants his release. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fringe Posted March 9, 2015 Share Posted March 9, 2015 I don't think I want a man who has decided to retire and give more time to the community. The passion for football is gone. Hope he does wonderful things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treehugger Posted March 10, 2015 Share Posted March 10, 2015 I wonder if he's not healed properly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazedDogs Posted March 10, 2015 Share Posted March 10, 2015 I don't think I want a man who has decided to retire and give more time to the community. The passion for football is gone. Hope he does wonderful things. true. he was a special player though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herc Posted March 10, 2015 Share Posted March 10, 2015 I wanted him bad and was pissed we won tikis last game cuz it cost us a shot at drafting him. It saved coughlins job though so it worked out pretty well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Virginia Giant Posted March 11, 2015 Share Posted March 11, 2015 What with all these young guys retiring early? Jake Locher and some 27 year old LB for the Steelers just retired. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herc Posted March 11, 2015 Share Posted March 11, 2015 yeah jason worilds who i was hoping we'd end up with. he's a good player and hasn't had that first big contract either. i guess these guys are saving their money and getting out before their brains are scrambled. good for them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fringe Posted March 11, 2015 Share Posted March 11, 2015 I wonder if he's not healed properly. you called it. he said his feet are failing him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. P Posted March 17, 2015 Author Share Posted March 17, 2015 And now Chris borland is retiring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herc Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 only made 420k and isn't vested in the retirement plan. very commendable Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 That's absolutely shocking. That dude was a stud, he was going to have a fruitful career. Better not to risk your health though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nas Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 That team is going to suck SO BAD next year. Good. I can't stand the 9ers... I loath them more than the Eagles and Cowboys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nas Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 What with all these young guys retiring early? Jake Locher and some 27 year old LB for the Steelers just retired. I'm guessing it has to do with all these head injuries and the health issues that appear later in life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herc Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 49ers must have a great 401k. nobody told borland what being vested is though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fringe Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 He seems to be a thoughtful kid. I take him at his word. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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