Bryant

Young

He’s still playing well, so the 49ers will be happy to have him back. Their defense could be solid with a few tweaks and some healthy players.

Despite being 34-years-old, Young has continued to play at a high level late in his career. Young’s original contract expires after the 2006 season.

The 11-year veteran can still get it done occasionally. But is inconsistency and position render him fantasy useless.

The last time Young recorded three sacks in a game was eight seasons ago.

Young was the seventh overall pick in the 1994 draft and spent his entire 14-year career with the 49ers. He replaces Bryan Cox as DL coach in Atlanta. Young was the DL coach for the Florida Gators when now-Falcons coach Dan Quinn was the defensive coordinator. Young hasn’t coached in four years.

Young, 35, hasn’t practiced since the first day of training camp in July. He expects to make it back in time for the final exhibition game.

All three players are 35 years old and stars sitting out mid-week practices is relatively common throughout the league.

He finishes playing at a high level, with 89.5 career sacks, and his body mostly intact. Young smoothly transitioned from being a pass rushing tackle to a 3-4 defensive end late in his career. The four-time All Pro probably isn’t a Hall of Famer, but will be a shoo-in for the 49ers’ ring of honor.

The 14-year vet and Notre Dame alum wanted to get his intentions out of the way for the sake of the fans. He’s likely to officially retire this offseason.

“My days are numbered,” Young said. “Let’s be real about it.” The 35-year-old has 6.5 sacks this year and is still playing at a relatively high level, but Young isn’t signed through 2008 and could retire at season’s end.