Justin Smith announced his intention to retire from the NFL on Monday.

Smith announced his intention to retire from the NFL on Monday.

Analysis:

Smith's decision to retire comes after a wildly productive 14-year career that included five Pro Bowl and two All-Pro selections. The fourth overall pick in 2001, he posted 880 tackles and 87 sacks while playing for the Bengals and 49ers over the course of his career. With Smith known to be strongly considering retirement, the 49ers went ahead and drafted defensive lineman Arik Armstead in the first round this offseason, offering a raw talent to help try and fill Smith's significant absence going forward.