5 Available Free Agents Capable of Helping the 49ers

No. 3: Inside Linebacker Kevin Minter

As I’ve previously mentioned on Niner Noise, the 49ers should sign ILB Kevin Minter to shore up their linebacking corps.

The 49ers added LB Malcolm Smith this past week in free agency, but he’s not a long-term answer at the position. John Lynch also signed LB Brock Coyle, but Coyle will primarily participate in special teams.

With recurring injuries to last year’s starters NaVorro Bowman and Ray-Ray Armstrong, the 49ers should look to address this position.

Linebackers Dont’a Hightower and Zach Brown might grab all the headlines, but Minter is an underrated option that can produce at the same level.

Minter was the fifth ranked free-agent linebacker, earning a grade of 81.0 this past season. According to Pro Football Focus, Minter played really well in five games, but poorly in four games. The biggest reason for his rare poor play was his poor tackling.

The ex-Cardinal linebacker played in 93% of the team’s snaps, racking up a career-high 81 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

The 49ers can desperately use a playmaker at linebacker next to Bowman and Minter can be exactly that.

On the open market, Minter will command probably $4-5 million, which is very reasonable for the 49ers.

If San Francisco wants to have a a dynamic duo in the middle of the defense, they can start by adding Kevin Minter.