"Cowboy" (Justin Smith) Expected to Retire

[BwareDWare94]

 

49ers DE Justin Smith is expected to retire from the NFL.

 
Nicknamed "Cowboy," Smith earned five Pro Bowl berths and one first-team All-Pro selection across 14 seasons, opening his career with the Bengals and spending his final seven years as a 49er. Although Smith was not a prolific pass rusher -- he never did reach double-digit sacks in a season -- he was an unmovable run-stopping force and highly disruptive end-tackle who made players around him better. Smith played with incredible "country" strength. We suspect Smith will not go into the Hall of Fame, but he should get some consideration.
 
Source: Alex Flanagan on Twitter
 

 
 
Mmmmm, Alex Flanagan
 
 
Glad a great player is going out while he's still great. Don't go the Kevin Williams or Jared Allen route. Retire as soon as you feel you can't be dominant anymore.
 
Plus, the 49ers are SOL, moving forward. Lost one of the best coaches in the game. Still have Kaepernick. Might lose Crabtree. Boldin will be a year older, as will Gore. All their skill positions are very questionable going into next year, and who knows how that defense will hold up if Fangio isn't retained? The 49ers have been maximizing, hell maybe even beyond maximizing, sub-par defensive backs during Harbaugh and his staff's tenure. No guarantee that that will continue under a new staff. 
 
This ship is sinking, at least for the time being. Good on Justin for just saying, "Fuck it!" and walking away.