The Vikings traded third-year linebacker Gerald Hodges to San Francisco on Tuesday in exchange for rookie center Nick Easton and a sixth-round pick, general manager Rick Spielman said.
Spielman said the move isn't a sign that center John Sullivan, sidelined until at least Week 9 with a back injury, will be out longer. Rather, he said, it's a product of the team's depth at linebacker and "an opportunity to get another young player" in the mix on the offensive line.
Easton, 23, is an undrafted rookie who signed with Baltimore and was traded to the 49ers in September.