Lance Briggs: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation on Free-Agent LB

Linebacker Lance Briggs spent the first 12 seasons of his career with the Chicago Bears, but that could change in 2015.

Continue for updates.

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49ers' Tomsula Comments on Briggs Rumors

Sunday, May 17

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula addressed the team's rumored interest in Briggs by offering praise on his current players.

"When asked about the prospect of signing veteran, free-agent linebacker Lance Briggs, coach Jim Tomsula answered by saying he likes what he’s seen from the 49ers’ inside linebackers," Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee reported.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com noted on May 11 that the San Francisco 49ers “remain interested in signing” Briggs, per a source.

Briggs is a seven-time Pro Bowler who would add veteran leadership and experience to a group that will look much different than San Francisco linebacker corps of the past. Patrick Willis and Chris Borland both retired this offseason, and the 49ers need more depth, especially after they did not select an inside linebacker in the draft.   

Barrows provided more context to a potential Briggs signing:

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As for Briggs, he is from Elk Grove and at one point six years ago it seemed as if he would join his home-town team. If the 49ers or any other team signed him Tuesday, he would not count against his new team when it comes to compensatory picks in the 2016 draft.

Reached Monday, Briggs said he was staying in shape but said he did not know if a deal with the 49ers was imminent.

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The concern with Briggs is that he was limited to 17 combined games the past two seasons and finished the 2014 campaign on injured reserve. The 34-year-old is an injury risk after spending so many years in the league.   

Still, San Francisco needs depth after a tumultuous offseason. NaVorro Bowman and Michael Wilhoite will likely start inside for San Francisco, but Briggs has experience as both an edge-rusher and inside force from his time in Chicago.

That versatility would pay off for a team simply looking for proven pieces to add to its depth.