Linebacker depth is one of the 49ers’ most pressing offseason needs, and it appears they’ll address it by bringing back a familiar face. Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team reported San Francisco is set to re-sign LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles.
There’s a chance depending on how the offseason shakes out that Flannigan-Fowles competes for a starting job while Dre Greenlaw works back from a torn Achilles. His role will more likely wind up falling where its been the last couple years though as a reserve LB and special teams contributor.
Flannigan-Fowles joined the 49ers in 2019 as an undrafted free agent from the University of Arizona. He transitioned from safety to linebacker as a pro and quickly carved out a home there. His debut didn’t come until 2020 when he played 11 games with one start. Across four seasons he’s played in 61 games with four starts, and most of his contributions have come on special teams.
This move won’t change the team’s trajectory much, but he’s a valuable player as a depth piece on defense and core special teamer.
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