Report: 49ers defensive lineman Justin Smith retiring
San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Justin Smith is retiring, ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio reports.
Smith has spent 14 years in the NFL, seven with the Cincinnati Bengals and seven with the 49ers. The Bengals selected him with the No. 4 pick in the 2001 draft.
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[daily_cut.nfl]
The 35-year-old signed a six-year deal with San Francisco in 2008 and went on to be named to five straight Pro Bowls from 2009 to 2013. In 2011, he was named the Sports Illustrated Defensive Player of the Year.
Smith started all 16 games for the 49ers last season, making 43 tackles and 5.0 sacks. In his career, he has recorded 880 tackles and 87.0 sacks in 217 starts.
The 49ers are also reportedly expecting linebacker Patrick Willis to retire.
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