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

By Peter Panacy

Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert looks over the defense against the St. Louis Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert looks over the defense against the St. Louis Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Rams 19-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Gerald Hodges (51) tackles Cleveland Browns wide receiver Brian Hartline (83) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Gerald Hodges (51) tackles Cleveland Browns wide receiver Brian Hartline (83) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebacker Gerald Hodges

Like wide receiver Quinton Patton, linebacker Gerald Hodges will be vying for playing time at a position which, on the surface, looks totally open.

San Francisco wants to find a best-case option to start alongside perennial All-Pro NaVorro Bowman. Fellow linebacker Michael Wilhoite — also on this list — occupied that spot for most of last year and not with the best of results.

But Hodges, who was picked up midseason in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, ended up starting the final four games of 2015.

Wilhoite, Hodges and fellow linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong are now in the mix for the starting ILB spot alongside Bowman, according to 49ers defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil (h/t Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area).

Depending on this camp battle, and whoever wins out, Hodges could wind up being retained by San Francisco into 2017 and, possibly, beyond. Hodges is only 25 years old, and some believe him to be a substantial upgrade over Wilhoite.

Look for him to be extended.

Next: Unrestricted Free Agents -- Vance McDonald