Next month, a number of former 49ers will be unrestricted free agents. Fans will want to bring back their favorite names, from Kendrick Bourne to K’Waun Williams.
More linebackers may be needed than people think. While Dre Greenlaw suffered an Achilles tear and will probably miss a large chunk of the regular season, there is Fred Warner. In 2023, the 49ers selected linebackers with two draft picks, but Jalen Graham and Dee Winters lacked experience. Given how inactive they were most of the time, it was also clear that the coaching staff didn’t think either rookie was ready to play.
Azeez Al-Shaair, come on in. This past season, he inked a one-year contract with the Tennessee Titans. Al-Shaair was dissecting the linebacker huddle with Warner and Greenlaw during the NFC Championship:
Azeez was a 49ers player, and during training camp, Greenlaw and Al-Shaair shared a room. A reunion seems unreal, perhaps unrealistic. Not only is he acquainted with the 49ers’ defensive scheme and style of play, but he also excelled in the 2021 campaign while Greenlaw was sidelined. He can therefore play with Warner.
Al-Shaair finished fifth in the NFL in tackles and tackles for loss during his final season playing full-time for the Titans. He was a proficient pass rusher as well. More significantly, he played in every game for the first time in his career and maintained his health the entire season. On August 27, Azeez turns 27.
It makes perfect sense for the squad to bring back Al-Shaair if they believe that Graham and Winters need more experience.
