It was only a few years ago that the San Francsico 49ers were a fading franchise.
The memory of the Mike Singletary era, when quarterback Alex Smith was looking like a total bust and the losses were piling up for a once-proud franchise, faded with the last four years of excellence. But four pillars of that renaissance are gone. This is looking like a terrible offseason for the 49ers.
Linebacker Patrick Willis is expected to retire, as first reported by Yahoo Sports' Rand Getlin. He'll be joined in retirement by defensive end Justin Smith, Pro Football Talk said.
Coach Jim Harbaugh, who led three straight trips to the NFC championship game, was pushed out the door (ahem, “mutual parting”) in December. He’s coaching at the University of Michigan now. Frank Gore, the team’s all-time leading rusher whose toughness gave the offense an identity, will reportedly sign with the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday.
That's a lot to lose in one offseason, especially in locker-room leadership. The Willis retirement is a shocker. The Smith retirement isn't too shocking, but it's a big loss considering all he did for the 49ers' defense through the years.
Not only are those two of the 49ers' best defensive players, they're two of the best defensive players of their era. Both will get Hall of Fame consideration. Smith was 35 and his playing time dwindled with age, so retirement was clearly an option for him this offseason.
Willis' retirement came out of nowhere. A toe injury sidelined him for most of last season, but he's still just 30 and one of the top inside linebackers in the game. He was a five-time first-team All-Pro. His Hall of Fame candidacy will be a hot debate. He was on his way to making it, but it'll be much tougher if he retires after just eight NFL seasons.
The 49ers will replace all of their departing legends, of course. Chris Borland had a great rookie season at inside linebacker last season, and presumably inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman will be back from a knee injury next season. Former Arizona Cardinal Darnell Dockett was signed and can play defensive end if he's healthy. Carlos Hyde will get more carries in his second season to replace Gore. Nobody knows yet if Harbaugh replacement Jim Tomsula can do what Harbaugh did for the franchise, but he'll get his shot.
The 49ers will have a much different look in 2015. Four key members of their fantastic run the past few years are done in San Francisco.
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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdowncorner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @YahooSchwab
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