Two years after their splash signing of linebacker Malcolm Smith, the San Francisco 49ers parted ways with the oft-injured veteran prior to Week 4 of the 2019 NFL preseason. The news of Smith’s release was first reported by Mike Garafolo of NFL Network:
The #49ers are releasing veteran LB Malcolm Smith, sources say. After two seasons with the Niners, he’ll be available to sign elsewhere immediately. Could be some interest for a team needing experience and depth.
By releasing Smith well in advance of Saturday’s 53-man roster deadline — and each team’s last game of the preseason this Thursday — the former Super Bowl MVP will be able to immediately sign with another team and begin to digest a new defensive playbook.