NaVorro Bowman’s retirement with the 49ers no longer has to be symbolic. The team on Monday officially re-signed the linebacker, allowing him to officially retire as a 49er.
Bowman went to the team facility in June to announce his retirement, but didn’t sign with the club because of roster limitations. Despite a tumultuous exit from the team during the 2017 season, he said the he intended on retiring as a 49er even without the official signing.
The absence of draft picks Nick Bosa and Deebo Samuel on the roster allowed San Francisco the space to add Bowman according to Matt Barrows of the Athletic. Bosa and Samuel haven’t signed their rookie deals yet, so they’re not officially on the roster.
The 49ers selected Bowman with the No. 91 overall pick in the 2010 draft out of Penn State. He spent seven full seasons with the club before getting released five games through his eight year. Bowman was a three-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro, and an integral piece of the 49ers defense that guided the team to three consecutive NFC championship game appearances and a Super Bowl XLVII berth.
