49ers lock up DE Smith with 6-year, $45 million deal
San Francisco 49ers03/01/2008 9:28 AM ESPN’s Michael Smith reports the San Francisco 49ers and DE Justin Smith agreed to a six-year, $45 million contract that included $20 million in guarantees. Smith, who had played all of his seven previous seasons in the NFL in Cincinnati, was given the franchise tag by the Bengals in 2007. Smith was the fourth overall pick in the 2001 draft out of Missouri. He has 43 ½ career sacks but managed only two last season. Smith has played in 16 games every season except his rookie campaign when he made 15 appearances. Read more