Around the NFL

Signs point to Justin Smith retiring after 14 seasons

Published: Dec 29, 2014 at 01:17 AM

Kevin Patra

Around the NFL Writer

Justin Smith played what appears to be his final NFL game in the San Francisco 49ers' 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals Sunday.

NFL Media's Alex Flanagan reported during the game that she is hearing it would be the 14-year pro's last contest.

The three-time All-Pro defensive lineman said earlier this month he was considering retirement but didn't talk to reporters Sunday. Smith will address his future Monday.

Teammates, however, acknowledge the unclear future of Smith and other 49ers.

"I'm still going to be upset about the year, but I'm excited for Justin Smith and any other guy that might not be here next year," linebacker Dan Skuta said, per the San Francisco Chronicle. "I'm excited that they got to go out on a win. Might be Justin's last game ever, so just excited for him and happy for this team that we could go out on a good note."

Smith spent the past seven seasons in San Francisco. He complied 613 tackles and 87 sacks in his 14 NFL years.

The latest Around The NFL Podcast recaps every Week 17 game and debates the MVP race between Aaron Rodgers and J.J. Watt. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content

news

Chiefs agree to contract extensions with head coach Andy Reid, GM Brett Veach, president Mark Donovan

The Chiefs announced contract extensions for head coach Andy Reid, general manager Brett Veach and team president Mark Donovan on Monday evening.

news

New England Patriots 2024 NFL Draft Guide: What you need to know

Get exclusive team insights and analysis for the New England Patriots ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit.

news

2024 NFL Draft Buzz: Latest league news, rumors from Monday ahead of Thursday's Round 1

The Pittsburgh Steelers might have the luxury of picking the best player available at No. 20 overall after a busy offseason that included a number of trades and free-agent signings.

news

Longtime Falcons QB Matt Ryan officially retires from NFL after playing 15 seasons

Matt Ryan officially announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday after 15 seasons with a heartfelt video message to Atlanta and the entire Falcons fanbase.

news

Jets trade QB Zach Wilson to Broncos in exchange for late-round pick swap

Zach Wilson is headed to a new home out west. The New York Jets are trading the No. 2 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a late-round pick swap, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Monday.

news

Broncos unveil new uniforms focused on altitude, peaks of Denver, add in 1977-inspired throwback

The Denver Broncos unveiled new uniforms on Monday, updating their look for the first time since the 1997 season. Also included in the reveal: a 1977-inspired throwback fit.

news

NFL news roundup: Latest league updates from Monday, April 22

NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. Visit NFL.com's transaction hub for a daily breakdown.

news

Bills' Damar Hamlin: My comeback 'wasn't something that a trophy can define'

Damar Hamlin expressed his initial disappointment when not winning Comeback Player of the Year in 2023, but the Bills safety remains grateful to have made his miraculous comeback.

news

Dolphins' Tyreek Hill appreciates Mike McDaniel more after 'he called me out' in loss to Chiefs

Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill reveals why he loves playing for Mike McDaniel in Miami after explaining a moment when the head coach held him accountable on the sideline during a Week 9 game.

news

Browns admit they're still trying to grasp new kickoff rules entering 2024 season

One of the major news items to emerge from the Annual League Meeting was a significant change to the kickoff. The Cleveland Browns, one of many teams adjusting, have been honest about still grasping how best to utilize the new rules.

news

Ravens RB Derrick Henry: 'I'm committed' to putting in work to 'hold that trophy up at the end of the year'

Newly-signed Ravens running back Derrick Henry has not wasted any time in making clear to his new team what he came to Baltimore to do: win a Lombardi.

news

Texans GM Nick Caserio on RB Joe Mixon trade: 'We're glad he's here hopefully for a few more years'

As the voluntary offseason workout programs for 25 teams began earlier in the week, Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio detailed how the team managed to trade for running back Joe Mixon.