Malcolm Smith had a terrible, terrible 2017. Terrible because he was out before it even began. Terrible because he was brought on as someone familiar with Robert Saleh’s defensive scheme and seen as an upgrade. Terrible because we saw none of that.
Smith may be the most disappointing free agent brought to the 49ers during the Shanahan regime. Yes, worse than Brian Hoyer.
So when 2018 rolls around Smith should be charged up and ready to go, right? No. He showed up in 12 games, the least since his rookie season and started in just five of them.