On Sunday another 49ers offseason addition retired. Defensive end James Lockhart, who the 49ers were awarded off waivers from Pittsburgh, is hanging up his pads according to the team.
Lockhart joins offensive lineman Spencer Long on the list of players the 49ers added this offseason who went on to retire. Long was with the club for just four days before calling it a career. Lockhart hadn’t had a practice yet.
He joined Pittsburgh as an undrafted rookie following a strong senior season at Baylor where he racked up 6.0 of his 7.0-career sacks. He played his final two years with the Bears after spending his first two college seasons at Texas A&M.
The 49ers were given a roster exemption for Lockhart so they never made a corresponding move for the addition. His retirement won’t open a roster spot. He likely would’ve filled the roster spot vacated by JJ Nelson when Nelson went on Injured Reserve. Instead, San Francisco added defensive lineman Alex Barrett.
