5 former San Francisco 49ers who could come out of retirement to play
By Peter Panacy
Former 49ers No. 5: Linebacker Patrick Willis
Well, why not welcome back Patrick Willis himself?
After all, it’s not everyday teams can add a seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time first-team All-Pro.
Willis is the franchise’s all-time leader in tackles (733), and his 16 forced fumbles also mark a franchise best over legendary 49ers defenders like EDGE Charles Haley and defensive lineman Bryant Young.
Yet the 2020 Niners don’t appear to have a huge need at middle linebacker, so Willis would be a bit redundant, right? After all, the future here looks pretty bright with linebackers Kwon Alexander, Fred Warner and second-year pro Dre Greenlaw.
It’s important to remember, however, rotations are key. And San Francisco could always utilize the pass-coverage abilities of players like Warner and Greenlaw, freeing up someone like Willis to do the down-low dirty work around the line of scrimmage.
And even if Willis was merely a role player, his pregame fire-up speeches would be worth way more than just a roster spot.