The San Francisco 49ers released wide receiver Torrey Smith, according to former All-Pro wideout Steve Smith Sr. and later confirmed by the team. Now retired and working for NFL Network, Smith Sr., who played alongside the Niners wideout in Baltimore in 2014, broke the news on Twitter.
Steve Smith Sr. broke the news that 49ers released Torrey Smith
Torrey Smith is out after two years with San Francisco.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Since joining the 49ers as a high-profile free agent, Smith hasn’t contributed much to an offense that has struggled on all fronts.
Soon after the news of his release came out, Smith thanked the 49ers and apologized to fans who “didn’t get to see me at my best.”
Smith, 28, joined San Francisco in 2015, coming off four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. He eclipsed 800 yards twice and 1,100 yards once with the Ravens. In the right offense, Smith was considered a deep threat who could put up some huge numbers. The 49ers did not provide the right offense.
Still, there was little talk of him potentially departing the team in any way thanks to the hiring of Kyle Shanahan, former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator. Then again, the 49ers hired Chip Kelly, himself an offensive-minded coach, going into the 2016 season and he did not last.
Smith managed just 20 catches for 267 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games with the 49ers in 2016. The year before, he caught 33 passes for 663 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games. He did not flourish with Colin Kaepernick or Blaine Gabbert throwing the football.
Wherever he ends up next, Smith still feels like he’s a player who can put up 1,000 yards receiving in the right offense.
Smith signed a five-year, $40 million contract with the 49ers in 2015. That deal included an $8 million signing bonus and $22 million guaranteed. His cap hit for 2017 was set to be $9.475 million.
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