The San Francisco 49ers need linebackers in 2019, especially after Reuben Foster was released last November following his third arrest of the year, as well as the generally underwhelming efforts from 2017 free-agent signee, Malcolm Smith.
As of now, the Niners have only one bona fide starter at linebacker this year, Fred Warner, who’ll reassume his MIKE duties in 2019.
That said, San Francisco might look to push two-year pro Elijah Lee into a more prominent role this upcoming season. Lee, who became the de facto starter at WILL linebacker once Foster was released, ended up starting five games in 2018 and wound up ranking third on the 49ers defense with 65 tackles.