Is Hayne walking into a disaster at the 49ers?

David Steele

Is Hayne walking into a disaster at the 49ers? image

MORE: Hayne reveals hardest, easiest transition to NFL

So is Jarryd Hayne walking straight into a basket-case in his NFL transition?

The 49ers’ offseason has been enough to make the faithful crawl under their beds, curl up in the fetal position and consider buying Oakland Raiders season tickets.

Aldon Smith’s post-arrest release Friday was just the latest loss the team has suffered, from front-office clashes to free agency to unexpected retirements. 

The team was in the Super Bowl three years ago and a third straight NFC championship game two years ago. 

These 10 important figures have left since the end of last season.

The list doesn't even include defensive tackle Ray McDonald, released late in the season after a second domestic-violence accusation. 

Dec. 28: Jim Harbaugh, head coach. Mutual parting, or so the 49ers announced. Harbaugh moved on to coach Michigan; the 49ers promoted Jim Tomsula two weeks later.

March 10: Patrick Willis, LB. Retired at 30 after eight seasons and seven Pro Bowls, citing his long-term health.

March 11: Frank Gore, RB. Left for the Colts as a free agent. He had played his entire 10-year career with the 49ers and was their all-time rushing leader with 11,073 yards.

March 11: Mike Iupati, G. Signed with the Cardinals as a free agent, after five years and three Pro Bowls in San Francisco.

March 13: Chris Culliver, CB.  Signed with Washington as a free agent. Had played in Super Bowl XLVII after 2012, missed the next season with a torn ACL and came all the way back last season.

March 17: Chris Borland, LB. Retired at 24, after one season, citing concerns about concussions and their after-effects.

April 13: Michael Crabtree, WR. Signed with the Raiders after the 49ers essentially replaced him with free agent Torrey Smith.

May 18: Justin Smith, DT. Retired after 14 seasons, the last seven with the 49ers. He made the Pro Bowl five times.

June 5: Anthony Davis, T. Announced he would “take a year or so” away from football because of the beating he’s taken. He’s 25 and has played five seasons. Very unclear whether he’ll ever return.

Friday: Aldon Smith, LB. Released hours after his latest arrest, this one on charges including DUI, vandalism and hit-and-run.

 

 

David Steele