49ers GM: We'll have 'more of a feel' for Justin Smith's future by end of week

The San Francisco 49ers still haven't heard from 35-year-old defensive end Justin Smith regarding his plans for the future, but they expect to have an answer very soon.

General manager Trent Baalke said on PFT Live on Thursday that he and Smith have yet to meet simply because their schedules haven't lined up, adding he expects to have "more of a feel" for Smith's intentions by the end of the week.

"He’s a hard guy to read," Baalke said. "He’s a guy that likes to live on the edge a little bit and keep people waiting. If he chooses to do so, we’ll welcome him back with open arms. If he chooses not to, we’re prepared for that as well."

If Smith decides to hang up his cleats and join Patrick Willis and Chris Borland in retirement, he will finish his career with 87 sacks across 14 seasons of play.