The San Francisco 49ers were expected to have a difficult roster decision to make with Patrick Willis this offseason, but the seven-time Pro Bowler may be making it for them.
According to Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports, the Niners are expecting Willis to announce he is retiring.
While Willis has battled injuries over the last two seasons and missed 10 games in 2014, it would be somewhat of a shock if he called it a career. The former Ole Miss star just turned 30 in January and has been one of the best interior linebackers in the NFL for years. Prior to his injury-marred 2014 campaign, Willis was the heart and soul of a ferocious 49ers defense.
Willis has a cap hit of almost $9 million in 2015, which is a number the Niners will almost certainly be unwilling to pay. If he does not retire, the team will likely ask him to restructure his contract or release him.
