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San Francisco 49ers not expected to pick up Aldon Smith's fifth-year option, per report

Aldon Smith could face a crucial prove-it year next season if the 49ers opt to not pick up his option. (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)

Aldon Smith option: San Francisco 49ers not expected to pick up LB's fifth year

The San Francisco 49ers have some big decisions looming on linebacker Aldon Smith's future with the team following his weekend arrest at Los Angeles International Airport for reporting a false bomb threat

Smith, who is set to earn a base salary of $2,336,454 in 2014, will be in the final year of his deal with the 49ers unless the team decides to pick up its fifth-year team option on his rookie contract by the league's May 3 deadline.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the team is "not expected" to pick up the option, making him a free agent at the end of the season.

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If San Francisco picked up the option, Smith's salary would triple next season to a whopping $9.75 million figure. 

The 49ers are not expected to release Smith