San Francisco 49ers: Linebacker insurance a must after Reuben Foster arrests

With Reuben Foster facing a suspension in 2017 and no longer a long-term guarantee at linebacker, the San Francisco 49ers need insurance at the position.

For a team on the rise but one with so many needs, the last thing the San Francisco 49ers needed was another added to their list. But, as free agency approaches, circumstances have conspired to make linebacker a priority again this offseason.

The 49ers must have believed they had addressed the position when they signed Malcolm Smith and moved back into the first round to select Reuben Foster last offseason. Even though Smith missed the entire 2017 season because of a torn pectoral, such assumptions would appear to have been vindicated as Foster enjoyed an excellent, albeit injury-disrupted, rookie campaign.

He finished second on the team in tackles and looked every inch the steal most deemed him to be when the 49ers selected him 31st overall in the draft.

But Foster, having been arrested for domestic violence and weapons charges this month, is facing a six-game suspension in 2018. And, with that being his second arrest in as many months after he was charged for marijuana possession in January, there is the possibility Foster could be subject to a longer ban.

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In contrast to last year, when cornerback Tramaine Brock was cut almost instantly after an alleged domestic violence incident, the 49ers appear to be letting the investigation surrounding Foster play out for the time being.

However, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area wrote:

"The 49ers must approach free agency and the draft as if Foster is a person who can no longer be counted upon to be a long-term member of the organization."

With Foster no longer guaranteed as a long-term fixture of the defense and Smith set to turn 29 before the season starts, it is clear San Francisco needs help at a position they could have perhaps considered an area of strength after 2017.

The good news for the 49ers is that they have options in the open market and in the draft. Demario Davis and Tahir Whitehead, who led the New York Jets and Detroit Lions in tackles respectively, are set to hit the market. Also avaliable is Nigel Bradham, who is coming off a very impressive year with the Super Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles.

In the draft Roquan Smith, Tremaine Edmunds and Rashaan Evans are all first-round options who could slot in right away and start next to Smith.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full two-round projection

Foster’s play across his 10 games for the 49ers in 2017 suggested he can be a cornerstone of the defense for years to come. However, his issues off the field have increased the likelihood that he will not be on the team long enough to fulfil his potential.

For that reason, the 49ers must take advantage of the many options available to them in free agency and the draft and add some insurance at the position.