LB Malcolm Smith's release shows the belief the 49ers have in Dre Greenlaw

It really is no surprise that the San Francisco 49ers have decided to move on from veteran linebacker Malcolm Smith. The former Seahawk and Raider could not stay healthy along with average performances that gave way to the emergence of rookie linebacker Dre Greenlaw.

The San Francisco 49ers have released LB Malcolm Smith in what should come as to no surprise. His release accounts for $4.2 million in dead money, per OTC, so the 49ers are willing to eat some of that dead money instead of retaining him. That alone says a lot about how they view him, but more importantly how they view Dre Greenlaw and their young core.

Why waste time giving reps to an old washed up player who hasn't proven to be a valued player, especially an injury prone one like Malcolm Smith. In a corresponding move the 49ers have signed WR Nick Williams, who was cut by the Denver Broncos the other day. Williams has some familiarity with Kyle Shanahan, so it made sense since he won't take too long to understand his system.

Smith was considered a big signing by Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch during their first year at the helm for the 49ers. Health was a major factor as the veteran could not stay healthy. He only played in 12 games and started five of those for the 49ers, so it makes sense to move on from him.

The emergence of young LBs like rookie Dre Greenlaw and solid rotational guy like Elijah Lee most likely gave the belief for the coaching staff to on from Smith. There wasn't going to be a role for him anyways since he is a liability in coverage, so he's not playable during nickel defenses which is what the vast majority of defenses are in nowadays. By cutting Smith the 49ers can focus on developing their young core.

Now we can all start to hype and rave about Dre Greenlaw who has looked great this preseason. That is a player who the 49ers are better off investing their time in. The same way that safery Tarvarius Moore should remain the starter over Jimmie Ward since Ward is only on a one year deal, while Moore is under control for a few more years.

The 49ers linebackers are beginning to look like one of the strongest groups on the team. If the coaches can get these young players to elevate, then the sky is limit for them. Not since the Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman 49ers has their been this much talent at the position. Kwon Alexander and Fred Warner looked superb in their return to the field Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Dre Greenlaw is poised to join them as another starter, most assuredly in base defense. Nickel defense should see only Alexander and Warner on the field, unless Robert Saleh wants to roll a safety at linebacker to create a strong nickel set. Greenlaw has been an under-the-radar player since training camp started, but with the release of Smith he will surely begin to start standing out. 2019 should be a big year for Greenlaw, as well as the rest of the young linebackers.