The San Francisco 49ers have reached an agreement with linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, signing him to a one-year contract extension.
According to a source familiar with the matter, Flannigan-Fowles will continue his tenure with the Niners for a fifth consecutive season. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared the news before an official announcement.
With starting linebacker Dre Greenlaw rehabilitating from a torn Achilles tendon sustained during the Super Bowl and reserve linebacker Oren Burks hitting free agency, the 49ers sought additional depth at the position.
During his four seasons with the 49ers, Flannigan-Fowles has been a significant contributor on special teams and has seen sporadic playing time on defense. His impact was notably felt during the Super Bowl loss to Kansas City, where he registered four tackles after stepping in for the injured Greenlaw.
Earlier in the week, the 49ers believed they had addressed their linebacker needs with the impending signing of Eric Kendricks. However, Kendricks had a change of heart at the eleventh hour and opted to join the Dallas Cowboys instead.
San Francisco has been proactive in bolstering its defense during free agency, securing deals with defensive linemen Jordan Elliott and Yetur Gross-Matos, as well as re-signing defensive lineman Kevin Givens to a one-year contract.
The team has reached an agreement with Leonard Floyd on a two-year deal and acquired defensive tackle Maliek Collins via trade from the Houston Texans.
The 49ers faced notable departures in their defensive line, with Jason Kilar, Clelin Ferrell, Chase Young, and Randy Gregory all entering free agency. Longtime defensive tackle Arik Armstead was also released, subsequently agreeing to a three-year, $51 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In light of Armstead’s departure, Maliek Collins is anticipated to step into the starting role at defensive tackle alongside Javon Hargrave.
Reflecting on the transition, Collins acknowledged the significant presence that Armstead brought to the team, both on and off the field. However, he expressed his readiness to contribute his skills and personality to the team.
Armstead, drafted by the 49ers in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, leaves behind a legacy marked by his on-field performance, with 33.5 sacks in 116 regular-season games, as well as his off-field contributions. He was a four-time nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award during his tenure with the team.
