Mason Foster agrees to terms with Chicago Bears, removing him from 49ers pool

It looks like we can remove one free agent from the San Francisco 49ers pool of potential inside linebacker competition. Linebacker Mason Foster has agreed to terms with the Chicago Bears, according to his agent. Earlier Tuesday, Trent Baalke said the team was interested in Foster, and other linebackers. Lance Briggs, Brandon Spikes and Erin Henderson are the three most high profile linebackers on the 49ers radar at this point.

The 49ers head into the offseason workout program with NaVorro Bowman and Michael Wilhoite as the team's starting inside linebackers. There were rumors prior to free agency that the team was shopping Wilhoite. Baalke told the media teams inquired about the linebacker, but discussions never advanced to discussion of compensation. Obviously we can choose to believe what we want.

It should surprise nobody that Baalke said anybody who did come in would have a hard time beating out Wilhoite for the ILB job next to Bowman. Wilhoite is a very capable player, although his ceiling is probably a bit more limited compared to other players. He can start in the NFL, but if he is starting for the 49ers, ideally they are also investing in a long-term option.