Trent Baalke’s pregame interview on KNBR has made its rounds the last couple of days, including the 49ers locker room.
Wide receiver Torrey Smith joined Murph and Mac Tuesday and said the players appreciated their GM taking accountability.
“Obviously he puts the team together, guys aren’t getting it done and he’s taking the blame for it,” Smith said. “He’s biting the bullet. Is it all his fault? I mean, I don’t know. If guys are playing better, guess what? He’s the greatest guy in the world. When we’re not, you have to bite the bullet for it.
“I think it says a lot as man. If you look yourself in the mirror and know when things aren’t going right, and know that you’re apart of it. I always say, look I’m here. And they brought me here to be a part of the solution not the problem. When mistakes happen like I made on Sunday, that can’t happen. That’s not why (Trent) brought me here.”
On the season, Smith has 20 receptions, 267 yards and three touchdowns. The 27-year-old was involved in trade rumors around the deadline with the Philadelphia Eagles. Smith was Baalke’s biggest free agent acquisition to the roster in the last two seasons.
“For a GM, they are paid to evaluate people and figure out what guys are going to fit. It’s the same way, he’s going to take a lot of heat,” Smith said. “But you know, I respect him for saying that.”