Justin Smith

Defensive lineman Justin Smith has decided to retire rather than return to the San Francisco 49ers for a 15th NFL season according to sources.

Fantasy Impact

The 49ers defense has taken its hits this offseason with the retirement of multiple players including Pro Bowl LB Patrick Willis and his replacement Chris Borland. This is another blow to the defense and should have an impact on Aldon Smith's numbers as he'll be missing the "Cowboy" from taking on double-teams. The 49ers drafted Arik Armstead in the 1st round with the mindset that Justin Smith was likely retiring.

Justin Smith will retire after 14 seasons in the NFL. He is a five-time Pro-Bowler and one of the main defenders in the 49ers' defense.

Fantasy Impact

The 49ers defense keeps taking hit after hit this off-season. The 49ers will be young in almost every position, look for Tank Carradine to hopefully step up this year and fill the gigantic void that the Cowboy leaves.

The ongoing saga of Justin Smith's possible retirement continues. General Manager Trent Baalke said Smith would announce his decision Friday, May 15th, but no word has been announced to the public yet.

Fantasy Impact

The 49ers have prepared for the departure of Smith. To bolster the defensive line, the 49ers added veteran Darnell Dockett and top prospect Arik Armstead in the first round of the NFL Draft. Regardless of the new acquisitions, Smith's value to this team is undeniable. He is one of the faces of the franchise, and one of the few left, after team legends Frank Gore and Patrick Willis signed elsewhere and retired, respectively. The 49ers will hope Smith returns for one last year, as his production on the field is still at the same level it always has been, despite being 35 years old.

Trent Baalke said, "probably Friday I’ll have more of a feel" for what Justin Smith's future is in the NFL. Smith has been keeping his future plans close to his chest and hasn't told anyone what he's going to do.

Fantasy Impact

The 49ers badly want Justin Smith to stay, he is the anchor of their defense. If they lose him, the Niners are going to possibly have one leaky defense.

Many in the 49ers organization and in Justin Smith's personal life have been trying to get "The Cowboy" one last ride.

Fantasy Impact

With offseason losses of Patrick Willis, Chris Borland, Dan Skuta, Chris Culliver, Perrish Cox and Chase Thomas, the return of Justin Smith would be well received in San Francisco. He would shore up a defense that has been hemorrhaging pieces. He's mostly a space eater and a sack-getter, so those are his roles in IDP leagues. He sets the table nicely for whoever is running stunts with him, whether it is Aldon Smith or Aaron Lynch. Those LB will have high-sack upside if Justin Smith returns.