Patrick Willis: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation on LB's Potential Return

Seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Willis is reportedly considering a return to the San Francisco 49ers for the 2016 season. However, the linebacker has denied he's plotting a potential comeback.

Continue for updates.

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Willis Denies Rumors of Return to San Francisco

Thursday, Nov. 12

Willis commented on a potential comeback in a post on his WhoSay page that reads in part:

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I MADE MY DECISION BACK IN APRIL AND I HAVEN'T THOUGHT TWICE ABOUT IT; NOR PLAYING ANOTHER DOWN IN THE NFL...PERIOD...SO QUIT TRYING TO BRING LIFE; on a CHAPTER that I have already CLOSED IN MY HEART and MIND...MY FOCUS IS IN THE PERFCT PLACE RIGHT NOW AND THAT IS ALL THAT MATTERS TO ME...My PURPOSE 4 Life IS SO MUCH BIGGER THAN FOOTBALL; FOR I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE TIME I WAS BLESSED TO PLAY ....IN THE GREAT WORDS OF 2-PAC #LIFEGOESON

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Earlier, Bleacher Report NFL insider Jason Cole reported Willis hasn't ruled out taking his place in the middle of the 49ers defense once again next season. He noted, however, the decision to come out of retirement would only happen if he feels confident his foot injuries are no longer an issue. 

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Willis' Lingering Foot Issues Led to Retirement

The 30-year-old linebacker talked about his lingering foot problems during his final press conference back in March. He didn't feel his performance would be good enough due to the issues, as Tyler Emerick of the team's official site noted.

"You've seen me break my hand on Sunday, have surgery on Monday and play on Thursday with a cast on," Willis said. "But there's something about these feet. And those are what made me who I am. They had you all saying, 'Wow, where'd he come from?' I know I no longer have it in these feet to go out there and give you guys that kind of 'Wow.'"

Now the question is whether there's been enough progress to start building toward a return to action for the 2016 campaign.

The 49ers could certainly use him. They sit at the bottom of the NFC West with a 3-6 record after a rough offseason that saw several key departures, including multiple early retirements. There's also been talk of issues in the locker room, which doesn't come as a surprise without a stabilizing force like Willis.

Furthermore, San Francisco's defense ranks 27th in yards allowed per game. Getting a healthy, motivated Willis back wouldn't fix all of the issues plaguing the franchise, but it would certainly serve as a major step in the right direction if he decides to come out of retirement.