The next two dominoes to fall will be linebacker Patrick Willis and defensive lineman Justin Smith.
Willis is the surprise that was referred to earlier today, and its a major one. Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com reports Willis is strongly considering retirement. As PFT hears it, its a done deal, with the formal announcement coming Tuesday.
Per multiple league sources, Smith also is done although thats not a surprise. The 14-year veteran joined the 49ers as a free agent in 2008, and he had been in many respects the cornerstone of the defense.
Willis, a first-round pick in 2008 who turned 30 in January, is under contract through 2016. Smith is under contract through 2015. Their retirements could result in the partial repayment of bonus money they both previously received; whether that issue will be pursued will be up the to 49ers.