49ers GM Trent Baalke mentioned on Friday that he hopes OLB Aldon Smith will be with the team in “2016 and 2017 and 2018,” per Eric Branch.
Baalke added that a decision regarding Smith’s 2015 is “still being discussed,” per Branch.
“We’re a family. You don’t just open a door and toss people out of it,” Baalke said, per Matt Barrows.
Previous reports mentioned that the 49ers are expected to decline his 2015 option and allow him to enter the final year of his rookie contract. If so, it would clearly be a make-or-break season for Smith who recently involved in another off-the-field incident.
There is a chance that Smith could be facing a suspension, but San Francisco will only until May 3 to pick up Smith’s non-guaranteed fifth-year option that would run them $9.754 for the 2015 season.
Smith, 24, appeared in 11 games for the 49ers last year and totaled 34 tackles and 8.5 sacks. Pro Football Focus had him rated as the No. 5 outside linebacker in a 3-4 system last year.
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