San Francisco 49ers: 5 options for Reuben Foster insurance

SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks evades Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

With linebacker Reuben Foster’s most recent arrest, the San Francisco 49ers will need to address the position in the offseason. These are some potential cheap choices to fill that spot.

Since the 2017 season ended for Reuben Foster, it has been a turbulent period for the No. 31 overall pick from last year’s draft.

Already facing scrutiny coming into the league for an “outburst” directed at a medical employee at the NFL Combine and a diluted urine test sample last spring, Foster’s rookie campaign was largely uneventful off-the-field. There was the reported incident in which Foster and teammate Ray-Ray Armstrong thwarted an attempted robbery attempt back in October—the pair’s quick thinking kept them out of harms way.

Other than that, it was silent from Foster. Then came Jan. 13, when he was arrested and charged with second-degree possession of marijuana in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Considering Foster would not have faced any discipline if he were in California, the crime itself is not that pressing of an issue. It was just an obvious unnecessary distraction for the organization.

But the legal troubles did not end there, as Foster was arrested on charges of domestic violence, threats and possession of an assault weapon on Feb. 11. Currently, the team is doing its own investigation into the case.

No matter what decision is handed down for Foster, it is certain he will be missing some games this upcoming season.

Potential options at the position will have price tag factored in—there is no need to spend a substantial chunk of money with a young starter already there.

No. 5: Brock Coyle

This isn’t the most attractive choice clearly as there were moments of struggle for linebacker Brock Coyle last season. Particularly against the pass was Coyle’s biggest weakness—per Pro Football Focus, Coyle surrendered 33 receptions for 323 yards and two touchdowns on 40 targets.

Coyle was also ineffective against the run, finishing with a 5.7 run-stop percentage. That mark is in the bottom half of the league.

But Coyle did excel generating pressure on the quarterback. According to PFF, Coyle’s 13.1 pass rush productivity ranks among the top of the free agent linebackers available.

And, as SF Gate’s Eric Branch noted in December after the 49ers win over the Tennessee Titans, Coyle showed improved played over stretches of the season:

"In his first four games after Bowman’s exit, Coyle earned these games grades, according to Pro Football Focus: 26.7, 43.2, 43.3 and 39.7. His grades in his past four games: 75.7, 73.2, 70.0, 77.0."

It would not be too unfamiliar of territory for Coyle either—as he did start for Foster during the middle of the season when the rookie injured his ribs—and it would keep the signing in-house, an aspect beneficial for continuity.

This signing would be the cheapest transaction they could make. PFF’s projected annual guaranteed money for Coyle is the veteran minimum.

No. 4: Derrick Johnson

This was only a potential option made possible recently when the Kansas City Chiefs decided to release veteran linebacker Derrick Johnson. Signing Johnson would have one quality largely in mind—leadership.

Johnson’s been in the league since 2005, is widely respected by his peers and has played at an elite level before. That presence could be a huge help to Foster, to have an established player at the same position in the locker room.

Of course Johnson is not that elite player he used to be. At 35 years old and coming off an Achilles injury, Johnson has clearly lost some explosiveness.

But that veteran experience is hard to come by, and considering Johnson has been one of the NFL’s top linebackers for the past decade, Foster has the potential to gain unique insight.

Johnson would have to be content with having a smaller role on the team, which would be a first. The signing would likely be at a reasonable price too, as it will probably come in the form a short-term deal.

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.

No. 2: Paul Posluszny

Like Derrick Johnson, this potential signing would have leadership factored into the decision. Linebacker Paul Posluszny is an 11-year veteran with a wealth of experience under his belt.

Granted, Posluszny will not be recording any 122-tackle seasons like he did in 2013. Those days are far behind the Penn State product.

The emergence of Myles Jack and Telvin Smith ate into Posluszny’s role in 2017, but the 33 year old still was effective. Posluszny’s finished with an overall grade of 84.0 from PFF, which was No. 15 among linebackers.

Posluszny’s 28.0 tackling efficiency was top-notch this season, the second-highest mark for inside linebackers behind the Seattle Seahawks’ Bobby Wagner.

There is also the familiarity aspect. From 2014 to 2016, current 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was the linebackers coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The middle linebacker for Saleh during his time in Jacksonville? Posluszny.

Being in his mid 30s and facing decline, the market will probably be low for Posluszny. This bares well financially for San Francisco. PFF projects Posluszny will receive $1.4 to $1.6 million in annual guaranteed money.

No. 1: Demario Davis

Demario Davis, who signed a one-year, $2.25 million contract last season with the New York Jets, is one of the top PFF graded linebackers available in the open market.

Both in the pass and run game Davis excelled, finishing in the top half of the league for run stop percentage and pass rush productivity, according to PFF.

And it is not just on the field where Davis excels. Here’s this, from Mike Nash of The Jets Wire:

"While Davis is strong on the field, he is also great in the classroom, as he serves as a mentor for many of the younger players on the roster, including fellow linebacker Darron Lee."

Just like Johnson and Posluszny, this signing would go toward help developing Foster off-the-field. That leadership quality that needs to be valued in the search for added depth at middle linebacker. Davis offers that.

No one person will be able to change Foster completely, nor might he even need it. Maybe this latest arrest is the final awakening call for the 23-year-old. But certainly adding a veteran and respected player would only benefit the development of Foster.

Next: 49ers: 5 moves San Francisco need to make this 2018 offseason

Whatever route the 49ers opt to take with Foster, it’s clear that security is needed at the middle linebacker position.