San Francisco 49ers: Not Looking So Fine

By Russell S. Baxter | May 18, 2015

Earlier today, the San Francisco 49ers made official something that was rumored months ago.

But that doesn’t mean that the retirement of five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Justin Smith hurts the team any less.

“Justin is the consummate professional whose impact on this organization can never be measured by statistics alone,” said 49ers general manager Trent Baalke (via 49ers.com). “His durability, competitiveness, work ethic, strength and rare stamina helped set him apart over his 14-year career…”

Half of that career, the final seven years, took place in San Francisco. The fourth overall pick in the 2001 NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, Smith was a standout for a franchise that made just one playoff appearance while he was with the team.

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In 2008, the former University of Missouri star signed with the Niners and really hit his stride, with all five of his Pro Bowl nods coming while with San Francisco.

Retirements and departures have been the highlight (or lowlight) of this organization’s offseason.

December 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh (left) hands the football off to running back Frank Gore (21) before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi

Jim Harbaugh, the head coach for four years, is now leading the football program at the University of Michigan.

Inside linebackers Patrick Willis and Chris Borland have also retired after eight and one season, respectively.

The franchise’s all-time leading rusher, running back Frank Gore, is now a member of the Indianapolis Colts.

Three-time Pro Bowl guard Mike Iupati is now with the Arizona Cardinals.

Dec 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) is introduced before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi

Former first-round wide receiver Michael Crabtree signed with the Oakland Raiders.

Starting cornerbacks Chris Culliver (Washington Redskins) and Perrish Cox (Tennessee Titans) are now with different clubs.

After making three straight trips to the playoffs under Harbaugh, all of them reaching the NFC title game at the very least, a troubled club fell to 8-8 in 2014. Baalke is hoping that some key free agents and many of his 2015 draft choices will pan out sooner than later.

But one look at the aforementioned names that are no longer with the team tells you that new head coach Jim Tomsula (promoted from defensive line coach) and new coordinators Geep Chryst (offense) and Eric Mangini (defense) have a tough task ahead.

With the earlier departures of Gore and Willis and now the retirement of Smith, it is truly the end of a certain era with the team that came oh so close to a sixth Super Bowl win for the franchise.

And if Tomsula and company aren’t up to the task, the 49ers’ freefall in the NFC West will certainly continue.

Next: Should San Francisco 49ers Part Ways With Ahmad Brooks?

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