The San Francisco 49ers have been making noise today with a few big signings both on the field and in the coaches box.
The Niners signed All-Pro defensive lineman Justin Smith to a two-year extension that will carry him through the 2015 season, piggybacking on the six-year, $45 million deal he signed back in 2008.
Smith missed the final 2 1/2 regular-season games last year with a partially torn left tricep, but battled through the injury in the playoffs. The 49ers defense - and specifically pass rush - was very noticeably weakened without their All-Pro center, and the team is happy to have him for another two year.
"Justin's All-Pro contributions on the field, as well as his leadership on and off the field, are integral to our success," said 49ers general manager Trent Baalke in a statement. "Justin consistently sets a standard of excellence. This contract allows Justin to finish his career as a 49er."
For Smith, this figures to be the last contract he signs in his career. He will be 36 after the 2015 season, and has no plans to play beyond that.
"It's a chance to go out on your own terms, so to speak," Smith said to CSNBayArea's Matt Maiocco. "I never dreamed that would happen. I'm pumped about that."
The 49ers made another splash by extending offensive coordinator Greg Roman through 2015 as well, per NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. Roman made much-maligned Alex Smith a viable NFL quarterback and turned Colin Kaepernick into the talk of the league. In just two seasons in charge, he has taken the 49er offense from 24th in the league to 11th.
He was thought to be a hot commodity on the head coaching market, but with the 49ers reaching the Super Bowl this past season he was not even able to interview until all the spots were filled.
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