Veteran defensive lineman Justin Smith, perhaps the best free-agent acquisition in 49ers history, has made a decision.
The 49ers are expected to announce Smith’s intention for the 2015 season around 1 p.m. on Monday.
Smith told the Sacramento Bee on Monday that he made a decision but did not disclose if he planned to retire or return for a 15th NFL season.
Smith, 35, was not working out at the 49ers’ practice facility in Santa Clara. He has not been taking part in the team’s offseason program.
Outside linebacker Aldon Smith, who lined up alongside Justin Smith for most of his four NFL seasons, intimated he does not expect his veteran teammate to return for a 15th season when he was asked about taking on more of a leadership role on April 29.
"Obviously, losing guys who were here -- Justin, Pat (Willis), guys like that who were leaders -- somebody steps up, and it's something I have no problem doing,” Aldon Smith said.
Smith was named to the Pro Bowl five times in his seven seasons since signing with the 49ers as a free agent in 2008 after seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.
