49ers host free agent LB Philip Wheeler, per report

The San Francisco 49ers continue their hunt for linebackers in free agent. The team has brought in Philip Wheeler for a visit today, according to Ian Rapoport. The team was reported to also be bringing in Lance Briggs and Desmond Bishop. This followed a visit last week with Erin Henderson.

Wheeler spent the last two seasons with the Miami Dolphins. He signed a five year, $26 million in 2013, following one season with the Oakland Raiders and four with the Indianapolis Colts. PFF graded him out well in 2012, and he rode the performance to the big contract. He appears to have had an awful 2013, and improved somewhat in 2014.

It was not enough though, as he was a salary cap release. And it appears he did not help himself during the season. He apparently criticized the coaching staff after a Week 6 loss. He had a fairly inconsistent amount of snaps from that point on.

Wheeler has generally played as a 4-3 outside linebacker, but all indications are that he would be looked at to move inside. The 49ers are looking for some depth for a position that is fairly slim right now. Mason Foster was also on the radar, but he signed with the Chicago Bears. The 49ers are looking at just about anybody they can find for depth at inside linebacker.