San Francisco 49ers: 5 options for Reuben Foster insurance

No. 3: Tahir Whithead

With 110 total tackles, linebacker Tahir Whitehead is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. That mark led the Detroit Lions, and was No. 16 in the NFL.

Impressive too when you factor in that Whitehead made a position switch to the weak side after the team drafted Jarrad Davis to play middle linebacker. That ability is something Whitehead prides himself on (h/t Lions senior writer Tim Twentyman):

"“I think I can play any scheme,” Whitehead said after the season. “Whether 4-3 or 3-4, inside, outside, I can play anything and anywhere. It’s just a matter of learning it and training yourself to go out there and execute the job.”"

That versatility adds to appeal of signing Whitehead, which means the team could still utilize him even once Foster comes back from suspension.

Whitehead does struggle against the pass; per PFF, Whitehead has allowed 154 receptions and 11 touchdowns over the past three seasons.

But Whitehead does has a knack for getting to the ball. According to PFF, Whitehead registered a 8.7 run stop percentage and a 9.3 tackling efficiency, both ranked in the top half of the league.

If the 49ers could ink Whitehead to a similar two-year, $8 million deal like the one he most recently signed with the Lions, that would certainly be worth the money. PFF projects that Whitehead will earn $800,000 to $1 million in annual guaranteed money.