On Friday, the San Francisco 49ers parted ways with their longest-tenured defensive player, linebacker Ahmad Brooks.
Brooks’ departure opens up the door for third-year pro Eli Harold to assume starting duties as the team’s strong-side, or SAM, linebacker this season.
You can view head coach Kyle Shanahan’s take on Harold shortly after the transaction, courtesy of NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco:
Kyle Shanahan in new #49ers starting OLB Eli Harold. pic.twitter.com/THx4G9RgOU
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) August 25, 2017
Harold, San Francisco’s third-round pick from the 2015 NFL Draft, hasn’t done much to cement himself as more than just a rotational or reserve player the last two seasons.