The 49ers announced that they have signed linebacker Philip Wheeler. In related moves, the team also released wide receiver Trindon Holliday and waived guard Fou Fonoti and wide receiver Lance Lewis.
Wheeler, 30, has spent time with the Colts, Raiders, and Dolphins over the course of his seven-year career. In total, he has played in 108 games (60 starts) and has registered 455 tackles, 5.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. In 2013 with the Dolphins, he led the team with a career-high 118 tackles. Pro Football Focus (subscription required) rated Wheeler as the 18th best outside linebacker in a 3-4 set last season, giving him an overall grade of 2.6.
Holiday, a kick return specialist, appeared in the team’s season finale against the Cardinals and returned three kickoffs for 83 yards. Fonoti never saw the field for the Niners after being placed on IR in late July. Lewis, meanwhile, spent the 2014 season on SF’s taxi squad before signing a reserve/future deal in December 2014.