The San Francisco 49ers lost another big name on defense. The Niners announced on Monday that All-Pro defensive tackle Justin Smith will retire.

The 49ers signed first-round defensive end Arik Armstead on Friday. Will the former Oregon star end up replacing Justin Smith in the front seven?

The 49ers continue playing the waiting game with Justin Smith. The defensive end is contemplating retirement and GM Trent Baalke can't tell which way he's leaning.

San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said Tuesday that he plans to meet with Justin Smith this week. Will the veteran defensive lineman return for another NFL season?

Defensive tackle Justin Smith is expected to decide later this month whether to retire from football or join the 49ers for an eighth season in San Francisco.

Could Marcus Mariota and Dorial Green-Beckham be set to join forces? Find out how Lance Zierlein and Chad Reuter see the entire draft playing out in their seven-round mock.

Could Melvin Gordon solve the running back problem that helped hold the Arizona Cardinals back in 2014? Bucky Brooks breaks down the draft needs of each team in the NFC West.

Despite underwhelming offseason moves and roster turnover, are the New England Patriots still the team to beat? The Around The NFL crew breaks down the free agency losers.

Coming off a disappointing season both on and off the field, 49ers pass-rusher Aldon Smith is "hungry" to bounce back in 2015. The Niners desperately need Smith to hit the ground running. Can he pull it off?

While plenty are predicting doom for the 49ers, veteran wide receiver Anquan Boldin believes the team will improve on last year's 8-8 record under new coach Jim Tomsula.

The San Francisco 49ers are bringing in Oregon DE Arik Armstead, who would fit in the team's scheme, for a visit, a report says.

The Seattle Seahawks remain the NFC West's unquestioned powerhouse, but what's happened to their once main rival? Have Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers fallen to the division cellar?

NFL Media analyst Lance Zierlein breaks down the top-five positions of needs for all 32 NFL teams and reveals how each is likely to approach the 2015 NFL Draft.

From blockbuster trades to huge new contracts to unexpected retirements, the first week of the league year was both fast-paced and eye-opening. Judy Battista examines the trends around the NFL.

The Patriots saw a lot of talent exit in the first week of free agency, including both starting corners. Gil Brandt identifies the reigning champs as one of five teams with major holes to fill in the draft.

In a wild opening day of the new league year, the Seattle Seahawks traded for Jimmy Graham and the New York Jets reacquired Darrelle Revis. Adam Schein praises one move ... and questions the other.

The post-Jim Harbaugh edition of the Niners will begin without Patrick Willis. The five-time All-Pro linebacker plans is retiring after eight seasons in the NFL.

Although Patrick Willis is planning to retirement, defensive end Justin Smith isn't '100 percent' sure he's walking away from the game. Should Smith return to a rebuilding 49ers team?

With Patrick Willis retiring and Frank Gore set to sign elsewhere, the 49ers are in danger of losing their identity. Are they also in danger of falling into the NFC West cellar? Chris Wesseling explores.

Darnell Dockett is staying in the NFC West. The former Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle switched teams, however, and is heading to the San Francisco 49ers.

Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley lead a top-heavy defensive line free-agent class this offseason. Around The NFL's Chris Wesseling ranks the available players in the trenches.

Jim Tomsula revealed at the combine that the team has begun talks with impending free agents Frank Gore and Michael Crabtree. What else did we learn from the San Francisco 49ers coach on Thursday?

The 2014 NFL season is in the books. The New England Patriots have claimed the throne, but how do the rest of the teams stack up? Elliot Harrison reveals his final countdown (with an eye toward 2015).