Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 10 best linebackers in franchise history

By Logan Stanley

December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers former player Patrick Willis before the game against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers former player Patrick Willis before the game against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers former player Patrick Willis before the game against the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers former player Patrick Willis before the game against the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

The San Francisco 49ers are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history with their five Super Bowl wins and the handful of Hall-of-Famers who have donned the red and gold. Niner Noise breaks down the team’s best linebackers in their 72-season existence.

Since their inception in 1946, the San Francisco have seen a number of top-tier players occupy the linebacker position.

From Dave Wilcox in the 1960s to the legendary Patrick Willis in the 2000s, there have been some stellar 49ers linebackers.

And with the addition of rookie Reuben Foster, there remains the potential of another 49er to join the ranks of great linebackers — just like his predecessor and fellow SEC product did recently.

Let’s rank the team’s 10 best linebackers in franchise history.