Source: 49ers to release wide receiver Smith
SANTA CLARA >> The San Francisco 49ers told receiver Torrey Smith that they plan to release him before the start of the league year Thursday, just two years after giving him a big free-agent contract.
A person with direct knowledge of the decision on Monday confirmed the move on condition of anonymity because the 49ers hadn’t formally announced a decision to part ways with Smith.
Smith later thanked the 49ers on his Instagram account for his time in San Francisco.
“It didn’t go the way we wanted it to but I’m thankful for the relationships I was able to build,” he wrote. “I had a great time in the locker room with my teammates and equipment staff. I’d like to apologize to the fans because you didn’t get to see me at my best. Regardless of what other may think, I believe the 49ers organization is first class and is heading in the right direction.”
The Niners won just seven games in Smith’s two seasons in San Francisco after he signed a five-year, $40 million contract with $22 million guaranteed.
The 28-year-old Smith caught 53 passes for 930 yards and seven touchdowns in two seasons with the 49ers as he never became the deep threat that he was with the Ravens when he helped Baltimore beat San Francisco in the Super Bowl following the 2012 season. JACKSONVILLE, FLA. >> The Jaguars released veteran cornerback Davon House, cutting a former starter who was due to make $6 million in each of the next two seasons.
House signed a four-year, $24.5 million contract in March 2015 that included $10 million guaranteed. He set a franchise record with 23 pass breakups in 2015, but lost his starting job early last season.
Contracts: Redskins sign Gruden to extension
ASHBURN, VA. >> Amid an offseason of potential upheaval, the Washington Redskins made an investment in continuity by signing coach Jay Gruden to a multiyear contract extension.
Gruden was going into the fourth year of a five-year contract. The team announced the extension after Gruden and other team officials returned from the NFL combine. TAMPA, FLA. >> Tampa Bay defensive end William Gholston has signed a five-year contract extension rather than test his worth in free agency.
The versatile fifth-year pro who started 25 games over the past two seasons could earn an average of more than $5 million per year under the terms of a deal Gholston said he “couldn’t say no to” on Monday.
Former OL Marvin dies
HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. >> Former Super Bowl champion and Tennessee player Mickey Marvin has died.
Paul Luck of Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Hendersonville said Marvin died Monday. He was 61 and had been fighting ALS.
Marvin was drafted in the fourth round by the Oakland Raiders in 1977, started at right guard from 1978-86 and was part of Super Bowlwinning teams in the 1980 and 1983 seasons. He played for the Volunteers from 1973-76.