With Dre Greenlaw departing in free agency, the San Francisco 49ers are expected to target linebacker help in next week's draft. However, one Pro Football Network contributor believes there's still a veteran free agent who could bolster defensive coordinator Robert Saleh's linebacker corps.
Mark Stolte identified Jalen Reeves-Maybin as the one remaining free agent the 49ers should consider signing (h/t Peter Panacy of Niner Noise).
"The San Francisco 49ers lost Dre Greenlaw to the Broncos in the offseason and are about to be paying Brock Purdy, pretty much usurping any cap space they have," Stolte explained. "With that being said, they are still in need of some depth pieces to help rebuild this injury-riddled team and squeeze whatever is left out of the prime of this current roster."
Reeves-Maybin, an eight-year veteran, entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick by the Detroit Lions. He spent five seasons in Detroit before playing one year with the Houston Texans, then returned to the Lions in 2023.
"In his limited playing time the last two seasons on the Lions, Jalen Reeves-Maybin has been solid in different areas at the linebacker position," Stolte continued. "In 2023, he graded out as one of the best run defenders with a missed tackle rate of 9.3% (53rd/90)."
That 2023 campaign earned Reeves-Maybin a career-high 88.6 overall defensive grade from Pro Football Focus, including a stellar 93.6 run-defense grade. However, his performance dipped in 2024, finishing with a 57.5 defensive grade.
On the bright side, Reeves-Maybin has remained a reliable asset in coverage, earning a grade of 67.4 or higher in each of the past two seasons.
"In 2024, he graded out as a solid coverage linebacker, allowing just 13 catches on 108 coverage snaps," Stolte added. "He would add some much-needed depth behind star linebacker Fred Warner."
Over his NFL career, Reeves-Maybin has recorded 221 tackles (nine for loss), 1.5 sacks, eight passes defensed, five forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries, per Pro Football Reference. He also earned Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors in 2023.
Should the 49ers pursue Reeves-Maybin or look to the draft for linebacker help?
