Fooch’s update: The 49ers made the news official. It is a three-year contract. Kyle Shanahan offered a comment on the signing.
“Brock stepped up big for us last season when we experienced some adversity at the linebacker position,” said Head Coach Kyle Shanahan. “He’s a selfless guy that does everything the right way. We’ve always known Brock to be a guy we can count on and it was great to see him play the way he did when given the opportunity.”
The San Francisco 49ers are bringing back a solid depth option at linebacker, at least if we are to correctly read John Lynch’s tweet. The 49ers GM tweeted at Brock Coyle welcoming him back into the fold.
Welcome back @BrockCoyle56. Fired up to have you back in the fold.
— John Lynch (@JohnLynch49ers) March 14, 2018
Coyle signed a one-year deal with the 49ers last offseason. The initial thought was he would be a depth option who plays a lot of special teams. He started out that way, but as injuries and the NaVorro Bowman release happened, he ended up starting 10 of the final 11 games. He was the starting MIKE in Weeks 6 and 8, and then the starting WILL the final eight weeks of the season.
Coyle suffered a torn labrum late in the year, and had surgery shortly after the season ended. His recovery time will take him into the summer, which means he likely will not take part in on-field drills during the offseason workout program. He should be back on the field in time for training camp, and will serve as critical insurance for Reuben Foster, barring any changes in the latter’s status.