Every time the San Francisco 49ers’ offseason seems to have hit rock bottom, another story takes the team even deeper, and linebacker NaVorro Bowman is understandably frustrated.
According to NFL Media’s James Palmer, the 27-year-old Bowman is particularly annoyed with losing fellow linebacker Ahmad Brooks and defensive end Aldon Smith. Bowman said:
“It’s frustrating. Because when you’re a team and you’re building chemistry to be ready for this group of guys to fight through adversity and you lose them, you have to evaluate the loss. And that’s a big loss for us.”
Brooks was charged with misdemeanor sexual battery for his role in a Dec. 2014 matter with former teammate Ray McDonald, and Smith was released following a night marred by a hit-and-run, driving under the influence and vandalism charges.
In addition to those legal troubles, San Francisco lost linebacker Patrick Willis and lineman Justin Smith to retirement. Long story short, it’s been a forgettable few months in 49ers’ land.
Bowman returns after missing the 2014 campaign due to a knee injury, and he’s a much-needed piece to the depleted unit. The 6-foot, 242-pounder racked up more than 140 tackles in each of his 2011, 2012 and 2013 seasons.
San Francisco needs its collection of potential-filled lineman to step up and ease the pressure on Bowman, who’ll be holding down the second level without much help throughout 2015.