NFL Rumors: San Francisco 49ers unlikely to pick up option on Aldon Smith
By Josh Hill
The San Francisco 49ers are dealing with a sticky situation when it comes to Aldon Smith and there are now serious doubts about his future with the team. While an immediate release doesn’t seem to be being discussed, it does appear that the Niners are preparing to eventually move on from Smith and his off-field troubles.
According to Ian Rapoport, the Niners are unlikely to pick up the fifth year option on Smith’s contract.
"If they do exercise the option, more than $9 million is guaranteed against injury in 2015, per Rapoport. If they opt against it, on the other hand, Smith will enter a crucial contract year."
The decision to pick up Smith’s fifth year is one that the Niners can’t sit around forever thinking about, as something needs to be decided upon by May 3rd.
It’s unclear what the 49ers will be doing but it’s clear that they have a bid decision to make and it’s one that could begin the process of cleansing the team of Aldon Smith for good.