:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/15152265/gyi0063338854.0.jpg)
Some interesting info popped up yesterday afternoon, as free agent linebacker Desmond Bishop told SiriusXM NFL radio that he got a call from the San Francisco 49ers (audio below). Bishop suffered a ruptured right hamstring last preseason and missed the entire 2012 season. He would not accept a paycut in the offseason, and so the Packers released him.
Bishop did not explicitly rule out the 49ers, but it sounds like he is looking for an opportunity to start. If he signed with the 49ers, he would be backing up two of the best inside linebackers in the game, and likely spending most of his time on special teams. While it would be great to get a guy like Bishop backing up Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman, you can't blame him for looking for starting work. The Chiefs and Vikings reportedly lead the way, but he also said the Giants and Jaguars were right there behind them.
The 49ers have the best pair of inside linebackers in the game, but the depth leaves some question marks. Darius Fleming has moved inside and if healthy will compete in training camp for a reserve spot. Nick Moody will get some work there as well, but he was drafted more for his special teams skills. The same is true for Michael Wilhoite.
The 49ers have one open roster spot, and with plenty of cap space following the Justin Smith extension, they can get creative.