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The San Francisco 49ers are in the midst of their offseason workout program, with NaVorro Bowman and Michael Wilhoite as starting inside linebackers. Following the retirements of Patrick Willis and Chris Borland, they were left with Bowman, Wilhoite, Nick Moody and Shayne Skov.
In the weeks following the unexpected retirements, the 49ers have brought in several inside linebackers over the last few weeks. This include Lance Briggs and Erin Henderson, among others. Additionally, the 49ers signed free agent Nick Bellore to a 2-year contract, and re-signed Desmond Bishop.
Trent Baalke and Jim Tomsula have both said the team is comfortable with Bowman's knee, and Wilhoite's ability to start next to him. Wilhoite was a fairly steady presence this past year, with a relatively low ceiling, but a solid floor. The question now is if the team will improve upon the situation through the draft. Guys like Paul Dawson and Eric Kendricks are two of several inside linebackers the team could look to for improvement long-term.
However, there could be another option. Philadelphia Eagles inside linebacker Mychal Kendricks is in a bit of a sticky situation with the club. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and the team acquired Kiko Alonso via trade, and extended DeMeco Ryans. Kendricks did not report to the team's offseason workout program, in what one source told Philly.com is a "scheduled" vacation. A scheduled vacation at the start of the offseason workout program is odd, to say the least.
There has been a lot of speculation the Eagles will try and deal Kendricks, and some think a deal could happen this weekend during the NFL Draft. Chip Kelly has shown no qualms when it comes to roster turnover, so a Kendricks deal would not be surprising.
If the 49ers want to potentially upgrade the position, the Eagles could be a logical trading partner. Chip Kelly had a working relationship with 49ers personnel director Tom Gamble, and Trent Baalke has shown a willingness to trade draft picks for players. There has not been any reference to potential discussions between the two teams, but if the 49ers worked something out, it would not be entirely shocking.