49ers Free Agency Needs: Breaking Down the Linebacker Position

The San Francisco 49ers are shifting to a 4-3 under defense in 2017, which changes up the team’s linebacker needs a bit. Niner Noise looks at whether NFL free agency is a legitimate option to reinforce this much-aligned unit.

Niner Noise continues with our free-agency preview and shifts our San Francisco 49ers focus over to the linebacker position.

You can read about the safety and cornerback free-agency breakdowns here and here, respectively.

Needless to say, the Niners boasted one of the worst linebacker units in the NFL a year ago.

San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

It didn’t help San Francisco lost both of its inside starters — NaVorro Bowman (Achilles) and Ray-Ray Armstrong (pectoral) early in the season. But the lack of depth certainly gave way to the 49ers allowing more rushing yards than anyone else in the league last season (2,654).

Much of this can be attributed to the failures of former general manager Trent Baalke, who didn’t select a linebacker in last year’s NFL Draft.

While the Niners have moved on, the defense is still dealing with the repercussions of Baalke’s inaction.

As of now, San Francisco’s linebacker depth chart looks like this:

NaVorro Bowman — 2017 Cap Hit: $9.952 million, signed through 2022
Ahmad Brooks — 2017 Cap Hit: $8.649 million, signed through 2017
Aaron Lynch — 2017 Cap Hit: $1.847 million, signed through 2017
Ray-Ray Armstrong — 2017 Cap Hit: $1,329 million, signed through 2018
Eli Harold — 2017 Cap Hit: $823,343, signed through 2018
Carl Bradford — 2017 Cap Hit: $690,000, signed through 2017
Wynton McManis — 2017 Cap Hit: $540,000, signed through 2017

2017 free agents — Michael Wilhoite (UFA), Nick Bellore (UFA), Gerald Hodges (UFA), Shayne Skov (ERFA)

Projecting 49ers Roster Moves

All of this is predicated on San Francisco’s switch to a 4-3 defense under new coordinator Robert Saleh. It will be like that of the Seattle Seahawks, with elements of a 3-4 mixed in and many of the same components.

The problem is the 49ers lack the roster firepower to make this a quick switch.

Linebacker Aaron Lynch, who registered just 1.5 sacks a year ago, is probably the best fit at the LEO spot along the right of the defensive line. Considering he has one year left on his current contract, 2017 will likely be a make-or-break season.

Oct 4, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) reacts after recording a sack against the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Packers defeated the 49ers 17-3. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

It is, however, unlikely the 49ers bring back an aging Ahmad Brooks. Cutting him would free up over $6 million in cap space with minimal dead money, per Spotrac.com.

While there is almost zero reason to bring back either Michael Wilhoite and/or Nick Bellore — both unrestricted free agents — the Niners do have a decision on their hands with Gerald Hodges, who finished with an 82.4 overall grade last year, per Pro Football Focus.

As a reserve, Hodges wouldn’t be a bad option. But it’s more likely San Francisco makes some offseason moves to address this pressing shortage.

Projecting Free-Agent Moves

The 2017 NFL Draft class is relatively deep at both the EDGE and outside linebacker positions. But free agency might be a route the Niners go to add some reinforcement and competition.

Former Green Bay Packers OLB Nick Perry might be one of the more attractive free agents on the market after an 11-sack season. But as Niner Noise’s Ken Wang pointed out, Perry looked more like a one-hit wonder rather than a perennial sack specialist on the upswing.

Perry would probably cost the 49ers around $9 million per year, should San Francisco pounce.

Another former Green Bay linebacker, Datone Jones, might be a cheaper option. Even though he posted just one sack in 2016, his 12 quarterback hits speak to the ability to rush the passer.

More importantly, the Niners would be wise to add some veteran depth to supplement guys like Eli Harold and alleviate any injury concerns carrying over from last season.

Projected 2017 Depth Chart

San Francisco will hope both Bowman and Armstrong return fully healthy in 2017. Bowman will hold the middle linebacker (MIKE) spot within the defense, and we should expect Armstrong to be the strong-side, or SAM, linebacker when considering his coverage skills.

More from Niner Noise

That leaves questions at the weak-side (WILL) linebacker spot, as well as the LEO edge rusher.

Lynch is poised to act as the LEO, but we’ve already touted on his pass-rushing struggles last year and can’t overlook the difficulty in him staying on the field — just seven games played in 2016.

It wouldn’t be a shock to see the Niners bring back Hodges as a reserve, but the Niners still need some upgrades here. Harold is probably best suited to be a reserve too, so look for the 49ers to try and address the WILL and, preferably, the LEO via free agency or the NFL Draft.

Next: NFL Free Agency: Breaking Down Each Team's Biggest 2017 Need

And don’t expect either Carl Bradford, Wynton McManis or Shayne Skov to make the 53-man roster.