This was a top need even before Chris Borland retired.
Borland was a terrific old-style run-plugger between the tackles. But he couldn’t run fast or cover or do half of the things Patrick Willis could do. As soon as Willis retired, the 49ers had to find a linebacker to platoon with Borland.
Now Borland is history, and the Niners need a linebacker who can start Week 1 and play three downs against most teams. Good luck finding a linebacker like that two weeks into free agency.
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