San Francisco 49ers: An Early Look at the Team’s 2017 Free Agents

Linebacker Michael Wilhoite

Linebacker Michael Wilhoite is a perfect example for all you contractual junkies in understanding how RFAs work and how they can be extended and/or transitioned to UFA status.

Wilhoite was the 49ers’ perennial RFA over the past couple of seasons, but the Niners offered him a one-year, $1.671 million deal in 2016. He’ll be a UFA in 2017.

We’ve already covered the situation at inside linebacker, and how Wilhoite will be competing for a starting spot with fellow linebackers Gerald Hodges and Ray-Ray Armstrong. Wilhoite might have been the favorite a year ago — he assumed these duties in Week 1, after all — but a less-than stellar 2015 season opens up plenty of doubt.

Yes, Wilhoite finished the year ranked second on the team in tackles (62). But Pro Football Focus gave him a whopping minus-16.5 overall grade in 2015.

At this point, it’s unlikely the 49ers are viewing Wilhoite as a long-term option. As a backup, Wilhoite may be serviceable as he once was in the days of standout linebackers NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis.

But as a starter, no.

Let’s see how this position battle plays out, but the chances for Wilhoite to remain in San Francisco beyond 2016 don’t look good.

Next: Unrestricted Free Agents -- Erik Pears