With the departure of Derek Smith, it is clear that the Niners are trying to clear cap room and position space on the depth chart for an inside linebacker, such as the much coveted Lance Briggs from the Bears. The 49ers figure to find another inside linebacker somewhere, and it could be Briggs, the Chicago Bears' No. 2 linebacker who will be a free agent on Feb. 29. Ulbrich is not the long-term answer, while Briggs and Willis -- the 2007 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year -- would make an excellent tandem.
Smith had one season left on his contract, but $3.28 million is too much for an aging player. The 49ers instead will try to use that money to sign Briggs.
Meanwhile, Smith will look for work elsewhere. The New England Patriots are always looking for 30-something linebackers, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him join Zach Thomas, Tedy Bruschi and Mike Vrabel.
It would be great if they add Briggs to replace Smith. But I don't know about you all out there, but if that's the only significant upgrade made this offseason, either through free agency or the draft, and it's on the defensive side of the ball, at an already deep position - I WILL LOSE IT! We are talking boycott until Nolan is canned. They better address the offense!
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