49ers Expected To Lose Defensive Stars Patrick Willis, Justin Smith To Retirement
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) - The 2015 San Francisco 49ers will look much, much different that the team that appeared in the Super Bowl just a couple of seasons ago. Multiple sources, including ESPN, report the team will lose two the mainstays of their NFC championship defense: Patrick Willis and Justin Smith.
Willis, 30, missed all but six games last season before needing toe surgery. At the time he acknowledged the injury was chronic, and some have speculated that it has necessitated his retirement. Prior to last year, Willis had been named to the Pro Bowl each of his first seven years in the league. He is considered by many one of the most talented linebackers of a generation.
Smith is a 14-year veteran who made five Pro Bowls of his own while playing on the defensive line for the Niners. He also played seven years with the Cincinnati Bengals. Smith had 87 career sacks and was known to draw the attention of opposing blocking schemes, freeing up teammates to pressure the quarterback.
49ERS IN TURMOIL:
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• 49ers Expected To Lose Defensive Stars Patrick Willis, Justin Smith To Retirement
• 49ers Front Office Tries To Cool Rumors Of Kaepernick Trade Talks
• Report: 49ers Star Running Back Frank Gore Heading To Eagles
The news comes as the most recognizable 49ers offensive player over the last decade, Frank Gore, is expected to leave via free agency to sign a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Rumors also surfaced overnight that the 49ers have also been looking for potential trade partners for quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
