For Now, Wilhoite is Back in 49ers' Plans

The past month has been interesting for Michael Wilhoite.

Less than a month ago, in early March, several reports surfaced that the 49ers’ inside linebacker was being offered in trade.

Matt Barrows, who covers the 49ers for the Sacramento Bee, tweeted on March 4 that, according to sources, the team was trying to trade Wilhoite, who started all 16 games in 2014. The reasons were obvious.

Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman, two All-Pro inside linebackers, were expected to return from injury, while 2014 rookie sensation Chris Borland was also in the mix.

That left Wilhoite – who filled in for Bowman in 2014 – as the odd man out.

As Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle noted at the time, the 49ers were hopeful that Wilhoite, 28, might produce a late-round draft pick in return.

But with the retirements of Willis and Borland, the reports of Wilhoite’s trade died quickly.

Now the former undrafted free agent is expected to start alongside Bowman in 2015.

Wilhoite, who’d been a capable fill-in for Willis and Bowman in 2013, played well in a starting role, and it’s likely he’ll be better this coming season with a full season of experience as a starter.

In 2014, Wilhoite had 87 tackles, the second highest total on the team, had two interceptions and was solid against both the run and pass.

Late in the season, when Wilhoite and Borland were both in the lineup, former 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh was enthusiastic about their play.

“They are playing great with a capital G, and rising to that level (of Willis and Bowman),” he told reporters. “It is great to see.”

The 49ers are much too thin at inside linebacker now, however, and are looking for more help at the position. They likely will take an inside linebacker in the draft, and they reportedly have been talking with veteran free agents Lance Briggs, Erin Henderson and Philip Wheeler. Also, on Tuesday, they signed veteran free agent Desmond Bishop, who finished last season on the 49ers roster.

But for now, at least, it appears Wilhoite is back in the 49ers' plans for 2015.