49ers 2011 Free Agents: Travis LaBoy

Although there is some sense of optimism with the NFL Labor talks, courtesy of the seven day extension, it's tough to tell when a deal will get done, which in turn means we don't know when free agency will get started. Once a new NFL CBA is sorted out, free agency will be able to start soon thereafter. For the 49ers, one impending free agent that has not received a whole lot of ink is outside linebacker Travis LaBoy.

Last April LaBoy signed a one year contract with the 49ers. After signing a decent-sized deal with the Arizona Cardinals, injuries and a suspension derailed him. He's shown an ability to get to the quarterback when healthy and this past season he was one of the 49ers better pass rush threats, finishing the season with 5.0 sacks. He saw roughly half the snaps of starters Manny Lawson and Parys Haralson but still finished with more sacks than each of them. Of course, as has become the case he injured his knee in December and missed the last two games of the season.

If 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is going to be bringing an exotic mix of blitzes, LaBoy would seem to be a guy worth bringing back next year. I've posted a poll to see if people think he'll be back, but I'm also curious if people want him back? He's got the pass rush ability but the injury issues have been a consistent problem. Should the team simply use his roster spot for somebody who could actually stay healthy?