Golden Nuggets: That Was A Rough Week

The offseason of horrors continued yesterday with the announcement that Chris Borland would retire from football at the age of 24. He made the decision after researching the effects of multiple head traumas and he doesn't think it is worth dealing with. He made the logical decision, but one most football players probably do not make.

After Borland's decision, the Niners have officially lost 2 inside linebackers, 2 cornerbacks, possibly 2 wide receivers, a lineman, and a running back. But a position of strength is now a position of need. We had thought that the 49ers would have an embarrassment of riches at inside linebacker, but in the matter of a week we have lost two of those players. That position now shoots up to one of the top positions needed to be filled in free agency or in the draft.

In a little brighter news, the Niners finally signed a player at the wide receiver position with some actual deep speed threat. Torrey Smith signed last week and gives the team speed that they have lacked at that position. It also reunites Smith with former Ravens teammate Boldin, who together beat the 49ers in the Super Bowl. The team also signed Reggie Bush to provide competition at running back. He provides a low risk, high reward for the team. If they could get some explosive plays from him, it could provide something the team has lacked for a long time. I personally don't expect much from him.

On to the links!

49ers Links

New Challenges For Scouts (Florio)

The worst offseason ever | Craziest Offseason (Lynch)

Staying In The Game When Heart Isn't In It (Gantt)

From a position of strength to one of need | In Need Of A ILB (Gutierrez)

FA Review (Gutierrez)

He's the biggest loss. He was just starting his career | Borland Biggest On Field Loss (Smith)

Walking Away (Barnwell)

Stevie Johnson To Chargers (Barrows)

Chargers, Johnson Agree (Maiocco)

Come back NaVorro | Defense Awaiting Bowman's Return (Maiocco)

He has endured a rough offseason. He needs to have a great draft | Spotlight On Baalke (Williams)

NFL VP Addresses Borland's Retirement (Inman)

Chronic Shoulder Injuries Made Teams Wary Of Borland (Maiocco)

Borland's Family Knew Last Season (Smith)

Borland's Father Speaks (Inman)

It will always be a dangerous game | Football Safer Than Before (Maiocco)

I think people took his words out of context | Tim Ryan Attacked For Borland Comment (Smith)

Borland Leaving The Game (BASG)

Tim Ryan's Comments (BASG)

Ryan Didn't Intend To Insult Borland (Maiocco)

How Important Is Football? (Barrows)

Borland Remembers Collision (Gin)

Not a revolution, but a bigger discussion | Start Of A Revolution (Purdy)

Jed York On Borland (Inman)

Borland's Decision (Kawakami)