Linebacker Patrick Willis’ career could be coming to a stunning end at age 30.
The 49ers are bracing for Willis to announce his retirement Monday, according to a report from Yahoo! Sports.
Willis, a perennial Pro Bowl pick his first seven seasons, played only 5 1/2 games last season before aggravating a toe injury Oct. 13 at St. Louis. He underwent surgery a month later on his left toe.
“I feel like I have five or six more great years of football left in my body …” Willis said Nov. 11. “I have to think about the big picture. They might miss me for a little bit but, I promise you, when I come back I’ll be better and stronger than I was before I left.”
Willis, a first-round draft pick in 2007, made the Associated Press’ All-Pro teams his first six seasons. He was an All-Pro First Team choice each of those years except in 2008 when he made All-Pro Second Team.
The 49ers defense has thrived with Willis’ hard-hitting tackling since 2007. He’s totaled 1,225 tackles (according to coaches’ game film) and 20 1/2 sacks. His 226 tackles as a rookie were his most in a season.
Willis missed only six games in his first seven NFL seasons combined as he carved out a reputation as one of the game’s best linebackers.
Willis is scheduled to make $7.065 million in base salary this year. The 49ers would gain $7.4 million in salary cap space if Willis retires, according to spotrac.com.
Willis and fellow inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman formed a formidable duo from 2011-13. Bowman missed all of last season rehabilitating from a knee injury.
Chris Borland, a third-round draft pick last year, replaced Willis in the lineup and totaled a team-high 128 tackles before missing the season finale with an ankle injury.
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