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San Francisco 49ers: 5 Bold Predictions for Training Camp

By Peter Panacy

Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) take the field for warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) take the field for warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) during organized team activities at the SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) during organized team activities at the SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: Linebacker Ahmad Brooks Gets Cut

Linebacker Ahmad Brooks has been on the apparent roster bubble for a while now ever since up-and-coming pass-rushing linebacker Aaron Lynch has risen through the ranks. Fans can recall Brooks’ time on the bench back in 2014, which pointed to the 32-year-old veteran no longer being with San Francisco.

But Brooks is still here and, if the 49ers really wanted to part ways with him, they likely would have done so already by now.

Brooks’ hefty contract is one reason, as shown below, but the fact is the veteran linebacker is playing nowhere near the same level he enjoyed in a Pro Bowl 2013 campaign.

The 49ers aren’t exactly in cap danger entering the season, so cutting Brooks wouldn’t be a financial decision. But considering he posted a minus-10.2 overall grade in 2015, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), the time may be for younger defenders to step up and fill the void.

San Francisco has up-and-coming linebacker Eli Harold to work into the mix. And former defensive end, turned EDGE Tank Carradine is another player to watch during camp.

Freeing up a roster spot may be a smart way to ensure these two guys, among others, get a chance to improve a developing defense rather than hoping Brooks has some sort of late-career resurgence.

Next: No. 4: DeForest Buckner Makes the Starting Lineup