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San Francisco 49ers: ‘Keep or Cut’ Calls on 10 Notable Players for 2017

By Peter Panacy

Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks on from the sidelines before the game against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks on from the sidelines before the game against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ahmad Brooks, 49ers
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ahmad Brooks (55) reacts after a tackle in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: Linebacker Ahmad Brooks

At 32 years old, veteran linebacker Ahmad Brooks has already been the discussion of roster cuts for the past two seasons.

This year, with the Niners switching to a 4-3 defense, Brooks’ future could be in even more doubt.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee did an excellent job breaking down how San Francisco’s defense would look in this new scheme under defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. In it, Barrows points out how Brooks would have to occupy the SAM linebacker position.

It’s not exactly a fit. Brooks isn’t athletic enough to cover tight ends in space, nor is he at a point in his career where he can contain the edge against the running game.

There are contractual matters too. Cutting Brooks would save the 49ers $5.3 million in cap space with just $848,750 in dead money this year, per Over the Cap.

That makes this an easy decision, assuming the Niners can find an adequate replacement via the draft or free agency.

Verdict: Cut