49ers sign LB Joe Walker to a one-year deal

The San Francisco 49ers signed LB Joe Walker to a one-year deal, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Walker beat out former first-rounder Hasan Reddick and started 11 games from the Arizona Cardinals last season. This is likely a 90-man roster signing to get the team through the summer. PFF graded Walker at 45.6 overall. Walker missed a tackle on 23% of his tries last season and allowed 80% of passes his way to be completed.

PFF did have him down as a 70 grade on Special Teams, which is likely where Walker will make an impact for the 49ers. It seems that Walker is a replacement for Elijah Lee, who the 49ers chose not to tender last week. Walker was drafted in 2016 by the Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round. Walker is a top-notch athlete. This was his Pro Day:

40-yard dash: 4.56 seconds

Vertical: 37 1/2 inches

Broad jump: 10 feet, 4 inches

Short shuttle: 4.31 seconds

3-cone: 6.81 seconds

Bench: 23 reps of 225 pounds

So, the 49ers just got more athletic on Special Teams is the way to look at this.