Niner Noise
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10 Available Free Agents Who Could Still Help the San Francisco 49ers in 2016

By Peter Panacy

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January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Mike Neal (96) before a NFC Divisional round playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 16, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Mike Neal (96) before a NFC Divisional round playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Packers 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: Linebacker Mike Neal

Former Green Bay Packers linebacker Mike Neal isn’t an every-down player. And he isn’t the best pass-rusher either. But Neal has the versatility to line up at end or at outside linebacker — flexible depth to give the 49ers some additional prowess this season.

We’ve already discussed some of the problems San Francisco has at outside linebacker. And unless you’re banking hopes on 2013 draftee Corey Lemonier suddenly finding his way, chances are there are going to be some holes at this position.

Linebacker Aaron Lynch is the only formidable talent at this position. Eli Harold could be, and Tank Carradine could finally get his day as an edge-rusher in sub packages.

At 28 years old, Neal wouldn’t be an impact player. But he’d be the right kind of one.

Think back to when the 49ers landed linebacker Dan Skuta — a relatively unknown special teams player and backup, who eventually worked his way into a starting role. And did so well enough.

This isn’t to say Neal could ascend to that level. But he’d be a smart addition for what the Niners need now.

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Why He Could Help

Versatility and depth are the two main factors here. Neal isn’t particularly great against the run, and he’s not a pass-rushing force. But he can hold his own in either regard and, with proper support, be a nice addition to an otherwise questionable linebacker crop.

Who knows? Maybe the chance in scenery would be the thing Neal needs.

Next: Recapping First Day of 49ers OTAs

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.