The Raiders reportedly letting Malcolm Smith leave for free agency doesn’t mean the former Super Bowl MVP will exit the Bay Area.
Smith and the 49ers share “mutual interest” in making a deal, according to Peter Schrager of Fox Sports.
The linebacker’s connection with 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who coached Smith as Seattle’s defensive quality control coach from 2011-13, is reportedly part of that intrigue.
This development comes on the heels of a report from Adam Caplan of ESPN that the Raiders will not retain Smith, tight end Mychal Rivera or quarterback Matt McGloin.