San Francisco 49ers: 10 best linebackers in franchise history

By Logan Stanley | May 23, 2017

December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers former player Patrick Willis before the game against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 19, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball as he is pressured by San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) during the first half of the 2013 NFC Championship football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 19, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball as he is pressured by San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) during the first half of the 2013 NFC Championship football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 6: Aldon Smith

49ers Tenure: 2011 – 2014

Pro Bowl Selections: 1

This is one the sure to stir up controversy. And I truly understand the protest. But if we’re factoring in pure ability, then linebacker Aldon Smith is a no-brainer on this list.

I mean, the guy is sixth on the franchise’s all-time leaderboards for sacks. Sixth. And he played four seasons. Forty-four sacks in 50 career games played. That’s an impressive rate. And we all remember the 19.5 sack-season he had in his sophomore season. You simply cannot debate the talent of Aldon Smith.

If off-the-field issues never had arised, I feel truly confident saying that Smith would have became the franchise’s all-time leader in sacks with ease and probably close to the NFL leaderboards as well. He was a sight to see on the field, bull rushing the quarterback like few have been able to do.