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49ers 2017 NFL Free Agency Day 1 Recap

By Logan Stanley

December 23, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; General view of a card stunt between the first and second quarter in the final regular season game at Candlestick Park between the San Francisco 49ers and the Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 23, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; General view of a card stunt between the first and second quarter in the final regular season game at Candlestick Park between the San Francisco 49ers and the Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) reacts after recovering a fumble during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) reacts after recovering a fumble during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Malcolm Smith

Contract: 5 years, $26,500,000; $13 million guaranteed

Grade: B

One of the more lucrative signings made by the 49ers, the 27-year-old linebacker is set join NaVorro Bowman in the 49ers’ inside linebacking corps. And that’s probably mainly why he was brought in, as “Bowman Insurance.”

It may seem costly, but it’s ultimately worth it considering Smith is a starter-level worthy player.

He clearly won’t get the starting nod over Bowman, but the recent injuries to No. 53 have forced the 49ers to think ahead in case of another injury. Once a Super Bowl MVP, Smith is a sufficient choice to fill that slot behind Bowman.

In his two seasons as an Oakland Raider, Smith racked up 226 total tackles (186 solo, 40 assisted) and 4 sacks. He was 16th this past season in tackles, ranking ahead of notable names like Bobby Wagner, Jamie Collins and Vontaze Burfict, per Pro Football Reference.

And averaging at $4,300,000 million per season, cap space won’t be eaten away for the duration of the deal.