Niner Noise
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Ranking the Top 10 Free Agents the 49ers Should Pursue in 2017

By Peter Felsch

Nov 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke before the game against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke before the game against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Kiko Alonso (47) chases San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins middle linebacker Kiko Alonso (47) chases San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebacker Kiko Alonso

The Oregon product, Kiko Alonso, has a prior history with head coach Chip Kelly when he played under him in college. The linebackers have struggled mightily, without NaVarro Bowman, and could use another difference maker on the defensive side. Bowman will be returning next season, but questions still remain about his durability.

Signing Alonso would make a lot of sense here, as he could solidify the other inside linebacker spot alongside Bowman. His flexibility to run fluidly in coverage make him a hot commodity.

He isn’t expected to get paid as an elite linebacker, and the 49ers would be able to sign him at a reasonable price.