If there is one position that has gained a lot of attention this offseason for theSan Francisco 49ers, it has been the linebacking corps. After losingDan Skutato the Jacksonville Jaguars, andPatrick WillisandChris Borlandto retirement, the team needed to be proactive. It’s safe to say that there is never enough that you need for one position. The 49ers re-signedDesmond Bishop, signedPhilip Wheeler, and drafted Eli Harold out of the University of Virginia.
With a recent report released on Monday, another linebacker may be headed this way to the Bay Area: veteranLance Briggs.
After 12 seasons with the Chicago Bears, Briggs announced that last season was his last with the team. And rightfully so. After being known as a force on defense and forming one of the league’s greatest duos withBrian Urlacher, the Bears’ defense was no more, as it was an atrocity in 2014.
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Serving over a decade for the Bears’ organization, Briggs has earned the right to play elsewhere.
Hey, San Francisco might have an opening.
According to Matt Maiocco fromComcast Sportsnet Bay Area, “The 49ers remain interested in signing seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs.”
While no statement has been made by the 49ers regarding Briggs, it would be something to consider as inside linebacker was neglected in this year’s draft, and it appears they are trying out Bishop and Wheeler to add depth.
At the moment, a healthyNaVorro BowmanandMichael Wilhoiteoccupy the two inside linebacker spots. Wilhoite played decently as he filled in for Bowman’s spot last season.
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- 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
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- 49ers: Jordan Reed could miss up to two months, will be placed on IR
With the pedigree and accomplishments that Briggs has accrued in Chicago, he may be another voice needed to help lead the 49ers’ defense.
Despite a copious amount of injuries to the defense last season, the 49ers exceeded expectations. The heart and soul of the defense, Willis, is now done for his career and his leadership cannot be replaced. But one can try to replicate it.
Briggs has battled injuries the past couple seasons, as he has only appeared in 17 games. At this point of his career, Ponce de Leon and the fountain of youth won’t be coming around anytime soon. But at age 33, Briggs can still be a productive player and an upgrade over Wilhoite.
Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Lance Briggs (55) reacts after a play against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
One important quality that still exists is Briggs leadership. With the versatility to play inside or out, and the ongoing legal issue withAhmad Brooks, someone has to lead the young pass rushers,Aaron Lynchand Harold.
Aldon Smithappears to be getting his life back in check and focusing more on improving on the football field. While the amount of interest is not clear by the report, if interest is expressed this far into May and with no compensation picks being lost, Briggs may be a match made in heaven for the 49ers.
Already accustomed to a 3-4 defense, the transition to the red and gold should go smoothly. New defensive coordinator Eric Mangini probably wouldn’t mind the presence of a potential Hall of Famer to help mentor alongside Bowman.
If he decides to sign with the 49ers, there is one thing that fans need to understand: this is not the Briggs of old. But what the team would get out of Briggs would be heck of a lot more than a Wilhoite and Bishop/Wheeler trial.
San Francisco would not be foreign to Briggs, as he is a Sacramento native, graduating from Elk Grove High School.
The offseason has looked like a dismantling of the team, but owner Jed York doesn’t feel that way. Rebuilding or retooling, it would be wise to bring in a quality player and voice from one of the greatest Bears’ defenders of all-time.
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