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Staley announced via his personal Instagram account Saturday that he is retiring from the NFL.
The 35-year-old first informed the 49ers of the decision, allowing them to acquire Trent Williams from the Redskins to serve as his replacement at left tackle. Staley was limited to seven games during the 2019 season, but he started 181 regular-season contests since being drafted in the first round by San Francisco in 2007.
Staley (thumb) is still deliberating whether or not he wants to return for his 14th professional season, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.
It sure seems as if the 49ers know something regarding the status of their long-time veteran, as the team traded for former Redskins left tackle Trent Williams on Saturday for a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft as well as a third-round pick next season. While Staley's contract does run through the 2021 campaign, he turns 36 years old in August.
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49ers' Joe Staley: Expected back for 2020
Rotowire
General manager John Lynch is optimistic Staley (thumb) will play another season for the 49ers, Eric Branch of The San Francisco Chronicle reports.
Staley continues to play at a high level, but he missed a career-high nine games in 2019, dealing with injuries to his pectoral, lower leg, finger and thumb. He'll turn 36 in August, but the 49ers are cautiously optimistic he'll stick around for at least one more season. Staley's contract runs through 2021.
