National Football League

Reports: 49ers expect LB Willis to retire, try to convince DL Smith to return

Published Mar. 9, 2015 11:02 a.m. ET

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The San Francisco 49ers are bracing themselves for the retirements of linebacker Patrick Willis defensive lineman Justin Smith, according to media reports.

Willis is expected to retire, FOX Sports 1's NFL insider Mike Garafolo confirmed. Yahoo! Sports' Rand Getlin broke the story first. Smith's 14-year career is coming to a close as well, according to Pro Football Talk.

Garafolo also said that the 49ers are trying ton convince Smith to stay, even in a part-time role.

Willis, who just turned 30, played in six games last season after needing to undergo season-ending toe surgery. The future Hall of Fame linebacker tops Pro Football Focus' list of inside linebackers since 2007.

Willis was replaced by linebacker Chris Borland, who had a sensational rookie season.

Willis' retirement would mean that he and linebacker NaVorro Bowman never played in a game following the NFC Championship Game loss to Seattle in Jan. 2014.

For Smith, it has been widely expected that he would retire. The 49ers signed defensive tackle Darnell Dockett to a two-year deal last week after he was released in Arizona.