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The San Francisco 49ers have added another linebacker to the roster, albeit one who will focus on special teams. The team announced on Friday they have signed Nick Bellore to a two-year contract.
Bellore is 6'1, and listed at 250 pounds. He joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2011, signing with the New York Jets. He signed a three-year deal in 2011, and then was brought back after the Jets tendered him as a restricted free agent last year.
Bellore has primarily played on special teams. The team tried to convert him to fullback, but that did not stick, and he ended up back at linebacker. Bellore has played in all 64 games with the Jets over the past four seasons, and has registered three defensive tackles along with 90 special teams tackles. Last season, he ranked second on the team with 15 special teams tackles. Bellore led the team in special teams tackles in each of his first three seasons with the Jets (31 in 2011, 17 in 2012 and 27 in 2013).
Pro Football Focus included Bellore on their All-Pro special teams list. They listed him as part of their kick coverage team. Although he is listed as a linebacker, he seems like a Blake Costanzo type of linebacker. Basically, I would not expect much more than a pure special teams role.