San Francisco 49ers Derek Smith

Did you realize that Derek Smith has been the San Francisco 49ers' leading tackler for the past four seasons? That's a fact, but unfortunately it is also a fact that he is also going to be an unrestricted free agent in about three weeks.The 31-year-old linebacker finished the 2005 season with 116 tackles and one interception. He has repeatedly earned the praise of head coach Mike Nolan for his veteran leadership on the field and in the locker room. He has been one of the few consistent producers on a defense that has been flat out atrocious forJets 6 Sanchez Jersey
several years.The problem is that although Smith and the 49ers have discussed a contract extension, the 9-year veteran might be looking to catch on with a team that can win sooner than later. His pursuit of a championship ring might push him out of San Francisco and force the 49ers to look elsewhere for veteran leadership and consistency out of the linebacker position.What makes matters worse is the fact that the San Francisco 49ers' other two starting linebackers, Julian Peterson and Andre Carter, are also scheduled to become unrestricted free agents. The team is unlikely to keep all three veteran linebackers, and Smith could end up being the odd man out in this scenario. If that happens it will be a shame because Derek Smith has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dark defensive landscape.