San Francisco 49ers

Niners' 2015 offseason ranks as worst in NFL history

Published Aug. 12, 2015 2:30 p.m. ET

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Let's recap what's gone on in Santa Clara the last few months: The 49ers missed the playoffs, changed head coaches, lost key players to retirement and free agency. 

Then Aldon Smith was released during training camp. 

The 2015 offseason for the 49ers was marred by roster turnover, from top to bottom. 

In short, it wasn't an ideal offseason for a franchise still trying to pick up the pieces after an 8-8 finish - its first time missing the playoffs altogether in three years. 

Yahoo Sports ranked the eight worst offseasons for teams and the Niners came in at No. 1. 

Here's what they had to say:

"On this list we have seen examples of great players retiring suddenly in their prime, losing big-time players in free agency, the stunning departure of top coaches at or near their peak and legal troubles bringing down elite talents. The 49ers had a combination of all of those factors this offseason, I couldn't find another example of a team having so many various factors resulting in so many huge hits to the roster. Coach Jim Harbaugh was chased off to Michigan, guard Mike Iupati, running back Frank Gore and others departed in free agency, offensive tackle Anthony Davis, and linebackers Patrick Willis and Chris Borland suddenly retired (defensive end Justin Smith retired too, though that was more expected) and pass rusher Aldon Smith was released after his latest arrest.

I could not find one offseason that was a reasonable comparison to what has happened to the 49ers."

It's hard to argue against the facts. 

The Niners' offseason is probably one they'd like to put in the rearview mirror.

(h/t Yahoo Sports)

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