49ers’ Michael Wilhoite the favorite at LB next to Navorro Bowman

By Ryan Ratty | Mar 24, 2015

Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) is tackled by San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite (57) in front of cornerback Tramaine Brock (26) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

With Chris Borland and Patrick Willis retiring, Michael Wilhoite is likely to take over the San Francisco 49ers’ linebacker duties along with Navorro Bowman.

Over the course of this offseason, the San Francisco 49ers have really gone through an interesting phase. There has been a lot of turnover to this roster and considering that it only had a few foundational pieces in 2014, it should be said that with Chris Borland and Patrick Willis retiring, the 49ers lost two of their best players.

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Although it will be hard to replace them, life after the two is starting to take form. In the 49ers’ 3-4 defense, two impact middle linebackers are needed. With Navorro Bowman in place, the 49ers need to find a player to man the position next to him and the clear favorite is veteran Michael Wilhoite.

According to CSN Bay Area, Wilhoite is the favorite to win the job. An exclusive rights free agent, Wilhoite is no stranger to being a starter on this San Francisco defense. Just a year ago, Wilhoite started 16 games for the 49ers. In that season, he finished with the second-most tackles on the team, only behind Borland.

General manager Trent Baalke talked about the 49ers’ approach to finding their next starting inside linebacker.

"“You look at guys who are currently on the street, UFAs (unrestricted free agents),” Baalke said. “You look at the draft, where you think you can address within the draft and you look at potential trade options. Everything’s in play.”"

With all of this being said, it really comes as no surprise that the 49ers are favoriting Wilhoite to win this job. After all, free agents Erin Henderson, Desmond Bishop, and Lance Briggs are nothing to write home about. Wilhoite has played for the 49ers throughout his career and he clearly knows the 49ers’ defense. Borland and Willis will be missed tremendously, but the combination of Bowman and Wilhoite isn’t so bad.

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