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NFL Free Agency: 10 Players the San Francisco 49ers Should Target in 2016

By Peter Panacy

Nov 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) reacts after making a sack during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) reacts after making a sack during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) celebrates after recovering a fumble in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Colts won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) celebrates after recovering a fumble in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Colts won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Inside Linebacker Jerrell Freeman

Statistics

The 49ers need to find an inside linebacker to pair alongside Pro Bowler NaVorro Bowman, and it’s clear fellow linebacker Michael Wilhoite isn’t cut out to be an everyday player.

While this may be something San Francisco addresses in the draft, a need to get immediately stronger up the middle on defense will be an inherent part of ensuring head coach Chip Kelly’s defense doesn’t suffer any lapses or setbacks given his unique style of uptempo offense.

Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman would be a nice fit here.

At 29 years of age, Freeman still has plenty of years left to play at a high level. Pro Football Focus gave him a plus-21.4 overall grade last season, and Freeman would be an immediate upgrade over Wilhoite and linebacker Gerald Hodges. Those two could be saved for backup purposes.

Freeman wouldn’t be too big of a hit to the 49ers pocket book either. And his pass-rushing abilities, along with his coverage skills, would take pressure off Bowman to be making the majority of defensive plays within this area.

Next: DT Malik Jackson