Niner Noise
FanSided

5 Under-the-Radar Free Agents 49ers Should Target in 2016

By Jerod Brown

January 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers chief executive officer Jed York (left), Chip Kelly (center), and San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke (right) pose for a photo in a press conference after naming Kelly as the new head coach for the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers chief executive officer Jed York (left), Chip Kelly (center), and San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke (right) pose for a photo in a press conference after naming Kelly as the new head coach for the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Nov 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys free safety Byron Jones (31) and middle linebacker Rolando McClain (55) during the second half of an NFL game on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. The Panthers defeat the Cowboys 33-14. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys free safety Byron Jones (31) and middle linebacker Rolando McClain (55) during the second half of an NFL game on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. The Panthers defeat the Cowboys 33-14. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Rolando McClain-Inside Linebacker

Rolando McClain was an impressive player coming out of Alabama in the 2010 NFL Draft. The Oakland Raiders selected the inside linebacker with the eighth overall pick. At the time, it seemed like the Raiders may be looking to imitate the success of 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis.

McClain has seen his career in the NFL go much differently than expected with plenty of distractions off of the field that have impeded any progress he has made on it.

Now, after playing with the Dallas Cowboys last season, it appears as though McClain may finally be on the right track. He will likely never be a player that stays with any team for too long and the risk involved with retaining him surely gives front office employees a slight headache.

He is, however, an impressive player when committed to his craft as an NFL linebacker. McClain is still only 26 years old despite playing five seasons in the NFL and sitting out another to get his life situated. He finished 2015 with 80 combined tackles in only 11 games with one interception.

More from Niner Noise

The 49ers have NaVorro Bowman who, despite coming back from a gruesome injury, still managed to have an incredible year that ended with an All-Pro selection. McClain could come to the 49ers as a cheap option to pair with Bowman and reinforce the 49ers front seven.

The 49ers currently have linebackers Michael Wilhoite and Gerald Hodges but neither exactly seized the opportunity last year. Both remain under contract with the team and could be excellent backups to the starters. Hodges will develop in time but may need another year or two before being ready to play every down.

McClain would be an excellent option for Baalke to pick up and plug in for a year or so while Hodges continues his development.

Next: Replacing Dawson