Fresh off the stunning developments of both Patrick Willis and Chris Borland retiring, the San Francisco 49ers are in desperate need of depth at inside linebacker.
While many have focused on the draft as a medium for San Francisco to find a starter next to NaVorro Bowman, it’s more likely the team will go the veteran route.
That’s where seven-time Pro Bowl performer Lance Briggs comes into play. The 34-year-old linebacker is slated to meet with 49ers officials in Santa Clara on Monday (via ESPN.com).
Considered by some to be on his last legs, Briggs played in only eight games this past season before being placed on injured reserve with a groin injury. Overall, Briggs has played in just 17 of a possible 32 games over the past two seasons. He recorded 35 tackles, an interception and three passes defended last year.
Briggs has a history with San Francisco. The NFL penalized the 49ers a fifth-round pick for tampering with Briggs back in 2008.
In reality, Briggs would be nothing more than a two-down stopgap while San Francisco potentially ventures into the mid rounds of the draft to find a long-term replacement for Willis and Borland.
San Francisco has also hosted former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Erin Henderson and is seemingly interested in free agent Brandon Spikes. It also has a solid youngster in Michael Wilhoite as a potential in-house candidate to start.
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