49ers' Michael Wilhoite: Signs one-year deal with 49ers

Wilhoite (ankle) has signed a one-year deal with the 49ers, The Mercury News reports.

Wilhoite found himself in an opportunistic position in 2015 due to both Patrick Willis and Chris Borland announcing their retirement prior to the season, and proved to be a serviceable middle linebacker. The fifth-year player finished the 2015 season with 85 combined tackles in 12 games, but forced no fumbles and recorded only one interception, limiting his fantasy value. The 49ers did not go after any middle linebackers in the 2016 NFL Draft, yet Wilhoite will still receive competition from Gerald Hodges for a starting spot beside NaVorro Bowman. Hodges is much younger than Wilhoite and finished the 2015 campaign strong, racking up 32 combined tackles in the 49ers' last three contests.