The San Francisco 49ers announced several roster moves on Thursday. Absent from the list was linebacker Malcolm Smith, who many expected not to be with the team in 2019. Now, it looks like he will be.
Smith has agreed to restructure his contract with the 49ers to remain with the team, according to a report from Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
Updating this 👆🏼 from yesterday, a source says LB Malcolm Smith has restructured his contract. The Super Bowl XLVIII MVP will remain with the #49ers.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 8, 2019
The 49ers signed Smith to a five-year deal on March 9, 2017 worth up to $26.5 million. He was due $3.75 million in 2019 but his salary increases from year to year peaking at $4.85 million in 2021 and counting $6.55 million against the salary cap in that final year.
Smith had 35 combined tackles through 12 games and five starts in 2018 but struggled to stay on the field due to an Achilles injury. He sustained a torn pectoral muscle during training camp of 2017 and missed the entire season.
The Seattle Seahawks made Smith a seventh-round selection out of the University of Southern California in 2011. He helped Seattle win Super Bowl 48 and was named the MVP of the game. Smith spent two seasons with the Oakland Raiders before signing with San Francisco.