Niner Noise
FanSided

5 players who need a strong training camp to stay on 49ers’ roster

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers runs in for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers runs in for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 28: Linebacker Malcolm Smith #51 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles tight end Jermaine Gresham #84 of the Arizona Cardinals during the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 28: Linebacker Malcolm Smith #51 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles tight end Jermaine Gresham #84 of the Arizona Cardinals during the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Linebacker Malcolm Smith

Two years ago, many a fan was likely excited to see what veteran linebacker Malcolm Smith, one of the 49ers’ biggest free-agent acquisitions in 2017, could do over the course of the season.

Smith was lost for the year with a pectoral injury, and his 2018 efforts weren’t particularly great either. By season’s end, he was relegated to backup duty in favor of special teamer Elijah Lee.

The results from those two years ultimately led San Francisco to renegotiate Smith’s contract down to a one-year deal. If cut, the Niners would owe Smith $4.2 million in dead money for the season, which is an indication he’ll stick around.

Especially considering the 49ers are dealing with some injury concerns at the position.

But the Niners aren’t exactly in salary cap hell either, meaning the $4.2 million is a number they could absorb if they feel Smith’s roster spot is better used elsewhere.

Smith received first-team SAM linebacker reps during organized team activities, which is a good sign for his chances. Yet he’ll have to continue to hold onto that role, showcasing some serious improvement over last year to hang around into Week 1 and beyond.