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San Francisco 49ers: Signing Lance Briggs still a good idea?

By Brian Spaen

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Tuesday came and went without mention that the San Francisco 49ers picked up ex-Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs. Whispers resumed this past Monday that the team was still interested him after nearly two months of rumors on the potential signing. Is San Francisco still considering adding a veteran to their linebacker corps, and should they still even pick him up?

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco didn’t pick up an inside linebacker in the draft, and as of now the projected starters would be NaVorro Bowman and Michael Wilhoite. Bowman hasn’t seen the field since tearing his ACL and MCL in the 2014 NFC Championship Game. Wilhoite has appeared in every 49ers game since 2013, but had limited action behind Patrick Willis. He’s recorded 128 total tackles, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions in his career.

Chris Borland surged ahead of Wilhoite with an incredible rookie season, but also retired with Willis amid worries of future head trauma. In a matter of days, the cupboard at inside linebacker was completely bare after what looked promising once Willis hung it up. There’s still quite a bit of talent at the position, but who knows how strong Bowman will be out of the gate, and Wilhoite has some pretty huge shoes to fill.

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That’s why Briggs has been part of the picture for a limited role in filling the void left by the former 49ers. According to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area, the team was still looking at him at a potential signing on or after May 12th. Once that day rolls around, any player picked up won’t count toward compensatory picks. That means more draft picks for next year.

"Currently, the 49ers have net losses of three free agents, which could put them in line for an additional three draft picks in 2016. The 49ers have lost seven free agents… [and] have four gains in free agency."

Even though Tuesday went without a signing, that doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen. According to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, Briggs was anxiously awaiting San Francisco’s decision “but said he did not know if a deal with the 49ers was imminent.”

What keeps it from being a home run is Briggs’ previously slew of injuries. The linebacker is going to turn 35 in the middle of the upcoming season and will be one of the oldest players on the 49ers if they did sign him. Briggs suffered a shoulder injury in 2013 with Chicago and missed eight weeks. An injury to his ribs and later his groin limited him to just eight games last season, where he was eventually placed on injured reserve and it was a widely accepted fact that Briggs would not return to the Bears.

If the 49ers want to become a contender sooner rather than later, it would best to have as many people that had playoff experience on the team. Briggs has had that, being a seven-time Pro Bowler and has a Super Bowl XLI appearance with the Bears. If Justin Smith decides to retire, there won’t be much veteran leadership left on the defense.

What you have to admire is Briggs keeping in shape and willing to transition into the 3-4 defense (via Clark Mitchell of ChatSports.com back in late January, Briggs was already willing to make the switch). San Francisco is already banking on Bowman after suffering a brutal knee injury, so what’s the difference between that and Briggs? The 49ers couldn’t lose by adding Briggs with the leadership angle, and any kind of significant production by him would be icing on the cake.

Next: San Francisco 49ers: Lance Briggs worth a look?

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