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)
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.