The San Francisco 49ers were aggressive on the first day of free agency last season, signing seven veterans to re-shape the roster. The longest deals of the day went to Pierre Garçon and Malcolm Smith, who each got five year contracts. However, both deals offered some flexibility for the team, with Garçon’s including three option years, and Smith’s including two options years.
Smith was expected to come in and play weak side linebacker with NaVorro Bowman seemingly settled in the middle linebacker position with the switch to a 4-3. A month and a half after signing Smith, the 49ers drafted Reuben Foster.