One on one with new 49ers linebacker Malcolm Smith

After the free agent introductory press conference, San Francisco 49ers newly signed linebacker Malcolm Smith spoke in depth with me about coming to Santa Clara. Smith, who has worn No. 53 since entering the league, has the utmost respect for his new teammate NaVorro Bowman. He said he has no problem wearing another number, of which he still has yet to choose.

The Super Bowl XLVIII MVP spent his first four seasons in Seattle and the following two in Oakland. In 2015, Smith started all 16 games and led the team with a career high 143 tackles and ranked second with 4.0 sacks. In 2016 he played in 15 games, starting 14, while leading the team with 115 tackles. He spoke to me about his new team…