49ers GM Baalke: Team Supporting Aldon Smith
SANTA CLARA (AP) — San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke is committed to supporting linebacker Aldon Smith like a family member in the wake of his latest legal trouble — and keeping Smith around for the long haul, too.
Baalke says "you continue to work as you would with any family member, you continue to work until they leave you no choice."
Regarding a May 3 deadline whether to exercise Smith's 2015 contract option, Baalke gave all indications he hopes to have the menacing pass rusher in a Niners uniform well into the future.
The 49ers also still hope to reach agreement on a long-term extension with quarterback Colin Kaepernick before the start of training camp.
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