Prior to the start of the 2015 season, Davis had retired due to health concerns. He had said that he was going to take a year off due to concussion issues and even guaranteed that he would return.
Davis has had no problem being honest with fans on social media so there is no reason to doubt that he intends to return. If he does, the 49ers would retain his rights.
The following is an excerpt regarding Davis from Maiocco's article, which focuses on addressing the offensive line durging the offseason.
Davis has yet to file for reinstatement off the NFL's reserve/retired list. There is no timetable for his return, according to a source close to Davis. And even when/if it does happen, it's difficult to believe the 49ers' offseason plan will be altered in the least. The 49ers cannot assume Davis will re-emerge as the same player they had in his prime.
Maiocco also brings up that it is unknown how Davis would fit into new head coach Chip Kelly's zone scheme.
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