The 49ers remain interested in signing seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs, a source told CSNBayArea.com on Monday.
Briggs, 34, is an unrestricted free agent who has spent his entire 12-year career with the Chicago Bears. Any player signed after May 12 does not count against the NFL’s formula for awarding compensatory picks.
Currently, the 49ers have net losses of three free agents, which could put them in line for an additional three draft picks in 2016. The 49ers have lost seven free agents: Mike Iupati, Chris Culliver, Perrish Cox, Dan Skuta, Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree and Josh Johnson. The 49ers have four gains in free agency: Torrey Smith, Nick Bellore, Erik Pears and Shareece Wright.
NaVorro Bowman and Michael Wilhoite are projected to be the 49ers’ starting inside linebackers. The club recently signed veterans Bellore and Philip Wheeler. The 49ers did not select an inside linebacker in the draft.
Briggs has been limited to 17 games the past two seasons. He finished last season on injured reserve due to a groin injury sustained in Week 12. Briggs, who attended Elk Grove High School, visited the 49ers on March 28. The Bears have reportedly informed Briggs they will not offer him a contract for the 2015 season.
