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NFL Rumors: 49ers eyeing Lance Briggs, Mason Foster

By FanSided Staff

Sep 7, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Lance Briggs (55) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Lance Briggs (55) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former Chicago Bears linebacker, Lance Briggs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker, Mason Foster are being targeted by the San Francisco 49ers.

The San Francisco 49ers have been going through some major changes to their depth chart this off-season, especially at linebacker. Earlier this month, both Patrick Willis and Chris Borland retired, leaving the 49ers with a major void at inside linebacker.

But there could be hope for the middle of the 49ers defense after all, as rumors are beginning to circulate of San Francisco potentially signing 7 time pro-bowler Lance Briggs and former Buccaneers linebacker, Mason Foster.

Briggs, who spent the first 12 seasons of his NFL career with the Chicago Bears, would be a huge presence as a veteran on the 49ers. San Francisco has been looking at Briggs since 2008, but because they illegally contacted Briggs when he was still on the Bears, they could never finalize a deal.

If Briggs can remain healthy he would be a huge asset to the 49ers who were just 8-8 last year. Obviously, the trick for the 34-year old veteran is going to be staying healthy. He missed a total of 15 games these past two seasons for the Bears, leaving them pretty vulnerable in stopping the run game during his absence.

But in his prime Briggs was a major part of a Bears defense that was a power house in the NFL. Thoughout his career, Briggs has totaled 936 tackles and 16 interceptions. If he could return to even half the player he was for the Bears, scary things could be brewing in San Francisco.

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Mason Foster, while not having the awe-inspiring stats that Briggs possesses, provides the 49ers with a much more consistent option at middle linebacker. His four seasons with Tampa Bay were mediocre, but he can still give a new team a viable option at linebacker.

Look for the 49ers to come out swinging in this years free agency, as they take a look at some veterans and young guys to fill some pretty important defensive positions. The NFL draft takes place on April 30th, so between now and then, expect the 49ers to try and make a couple key moves to strengthen their roster.

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