© Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
SANTA CLARA – Half of one of the greatest inside linebacking duos (if not the greatest) will retire as a member of the San Francisco 49ers. NaVorro Bowman, who played nearly all of his eight-year career with the 49ers, but finished it with the Oakland Raiders, will officially re-sign with the 49ers so he can retire with the team.
The news is somewhat odd and based in the fact that the 49ers have not signed first- and second-round draft picks Nick Bosa and Deebo Samuel, according to The Athletic’s Matt Barrows. Because of those spots, the team was able to sign Bowman to the honorary deal on Monday.
#49ers have room to sign Bowman to this ceremonial deal because Nick Bosa, Deebo Samuel have not signed their rookie contracts. That's a new rule this year. https://t.co/ggjqu0w8xi
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) July 22, 2019
It’s a signing and retirement which was essentially delayed, at least officially, for a month and a half. Bowman went to the 49ers’ practice facility at the start of June to announce that he would retire with the team, and now the move is on the books.