Michael Wilhoite - Pro Football Rumors

49ers’ Michael Wilhoite Signs RFA Tender

May 4th, 2016 at 12:45pm CST by Luke Adams

49ers linebacker Michael Wilhoite has become the latest restricted free agent to sign his contract tender from his team, according to a team release from the Niners. The one-year deal will set Wilhoite up to earn a non-guaranteed base salary of $1.671MM for the 2016 season.

Wilhoite, 27, started all 16 games for the 49ers back in 2014, but had been expected to transition back into a reserve role in 2015. However, after Patrick Willis and Chris Borland announced their respective retirements, Wilhoite was thrust back into the starting lineup at one of the Niners’ inside linebacker spots.

The former undrafted free agent, who made 12 starts last season before injuries cut his year short, was graded as the league’s worst linebacker out of 97 qualified players by Pro Football Focus. Based on his shaky performance and the presence of Gerald Hodges, who started down the stretch, Wilhoite won’t be assured of a spot in the lineup in 2016.

Wilhoite becomes the second-last restricted free agents to officially sign a contract this offseason, leaving only Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall unsigned. I examined the status of this year’s group of RFAs a couple weeks ago.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

RFA Tender Decisions: 3/4/16

March 4th, 2016 at 7:21pm CST by Luke Adams

When teams assign first- or second-round tenders to their restricted free agents, like the Raiders did today with quarterback Matt McGloin, we’ll devote full news stories to those moves. But for the most part, RFAs around the league can expect to be either non-tendered or given a low-end tender worth $1.671MM. We’ll round up the players that fall into that group on Friday in the space below, with the latest updates added to the top of the list throughout the day….

The 49ers have offered linebacker Michael Wilhoite the low-end tender, reports Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. The 29-year-old has started in all 28 of his appearances over the last two seasons. Despite missing four games in 2015, Wilhoite was second on the Niners in tackles (85), though he graded dead last in overall performance out of Pro Football Focus’ 97 qualifying linebackers (subscription required).

Earlier updates:

The Saints aren’t expected to submit an RFA tender to running back Khiry Robinson, according to Mike Triplett of ESPN.com. Katherine Terrell of NOLA.com confirms as much (via Twitter). Robinson, 26, saw his 2015 campaign come to an early end when he suffered a broken leg in November, but he has been a steady contributor in New Orleans’ backfield since 2013, averaging 4.1 yards per carry on 186 total attempts. He’s now on track to reach the open market as an unrestricted free agent.
The Eagles have given RFA offensive lineman Matt Tobin the low-end tender, according to Tom Pelissero of USA Today (Twitter link). Philadelphia now holds the right of first refusal on the 25-year-old lineman, who made 13 starts for the Eagles in 2015. Depending on the moves the team makes in free agency and the draft, Tobin could return to a reserve role in 2016.
One restricted free agent who won’t get a tender offer from the Eagles is offensive lineman David Molk, who has decided to retire rather than continuing his career, according to the team (Twitter link). Molk, who started four games at center for Philadelphia in 2014, is widely believed to be the anonymous author of a book called NFL Confidential: True Confessions from the Gutter of Football, which provides a behind-the-scenes look at life in the NFL.
The Packers have a pair of players eligible for restricted free agency, and according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (via Twitter), the team won’t be tendering one of them, linebacker Andy Mulumba. Silverstein adds that guard Lane Taylor probably won’t get a tender offer either, which would make both players unrestricted free agents next week.

49ers Send Michael Wilhoite To IR

January 2nd, 2016 at 3:26pm CST by Sam Robinson

A rebuilding 49ers season will end with another starter unavailable for Week 17 action after the team sent linebacker Michael Wilhoite to injured reserve, Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee reports.

San Francisco’s corresponding move comes in the form of backup running back Mike Davis being activated from IR-DTR.

Despite being an undrafted free agent from Division II Washburn, Wilhoite’s started 28 games for the 49ers the past two seasons.

The 29-year-old inside linebacker’s 2015 season, however, has been an uphill struggle, per Pro Football Focus. The advanced-metrics site rates Wilhoite as the league’s worst linebacker.

Davis played in five games this year, the most recent coming in Week 8 against the Rams. Prior to suffering a broken hand, the fourth-round rookie didn’t make much progress, gaining 24 yards on 25 carries as a backup. Per Barrows, Davis runs the risk of becoming the first running back since ex-Chiefs committee cog Donnell Bennett, who gained 24 yards on 27 totes in 2000, to average fewer than one yard per carry.

Minor Moves: Wednesday

June 10th, 2015 at 5:25pm CST by Luke Adams

Here are Wednesday’s minor transactions from around the NFL, with additional moves added to the top of the list throughout the day:

The 49ers re-signed linebacker Michael Wilhoite, according to Howard Balzer of USA Today Sports (on Twitter). Wilhoite was an exclusive rights free agent. At one point earlier this offseason, the 49ers were said to be shopping Wilhoite as a possible trade chip. However, that was back when San Francisco was still expecting to have Patrick Willis and Chris Borland back in the mix for 2015. In April, GM Trent Baalke indicated that he was working on a new deal with Wilhoite. Apparently, that did not come together as planned.
As we heard yesterday, the Panthers are signing tight end Scott Simonson after working him out earlier this week. To make room on the roster, Carolina has waived punter Matt Wile, the team announced today (Twitter link). Wile initially joined the Panthers as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan about five weeks ago.
The Lions have made some changes at the back of their 90-man roster, signing tight end David Ausberry and cutting safety Nathan Lindsey, tweets Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Like Simonson, Ausberry is a former Raiders tight end, having spent four seasons with the team after being drafted in the seventh round back in 2011. He played sparingly during his time in Oakland, catching 11 career passes for 120 yards.

Reaction To Anthony Davis’ Retirement

June 5th, 2015 at 7:14pm CST by Rob DiRe

The most surprising news of the NFL day was the seemingly out-of-nowhere retirement of 25-year-old offensive tackle Anthony Davis. This is the latest in a run of early retirements for top 49ers’ players.

His statement was tweeted out by Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group (via Twitter), courtesy of Davis’ agent Drew Rosenhaus.

Here is some reaction from around the 49ers following Davis’ decision:

Davis’ retirement may not have been a total surprise, writes Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee (via Twitter). He writes that a player said Davis was talking about stepping away from the game last season.
Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports 1 adds to Barrows comments, noting Chris Borland talked about it last season as well, noting that works against the theory that Jim Harbaugh is at fault for the retirements (via Twitter).
The financial ramifications of the move could be severe for Davis, who will have to return the unearned portion of his signing bonus. Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com has all the details on how the contract will effect Davis and the team’s cap.
Fellow offensive lineman Joe Looney chimed in on his teammate’s retirement, writes Inman (via Twitter). “You can’t replace AD. He’s was, he is, a hell of a player. He always worked hard every play.”
Inman also passed along a statement from guard Daniel Kilgore (via Twitter). “I’m as shocked as anybody else. I hate to see him go. He’s a great player, great teammate.”
Alex Marvez of Fox Sports 1 writes about the tearing down of the 49ers’ roster this offseason, losing young talent to retirement. He believes head coach Jim Tomsula and company could be in trouble despite having a team that has been in the NFC Championship game three of the past four seasons.
Linebacker Michael Wilhoite wants 49ers fans to have faith in the team to ignore the doomsday mentality that has followed these retirements, according to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle (via Twitter). “Just have faith. They call them The Faithful, so stay faithful.”
The 49ers have a few option at right tackle, including Erik Pears, sliding Alex Boone over, or letting sixth-round draft pick Ian Silberman get a chance at tackle, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN (via Twitter). Silberman was more likely drafted as a guard, but played right tackle at Boston College.
Joe Buscaglia, who covers the Bills for WKBW in Buffalo, is not optimistic about Colin Kaepernick‘s chances of succeeding with Pears starting at right tackle (via Twitter).
Branch also points readers to his profile of former University of Florida offensive tackle and seventh-round pick Trent Brown, who could be an option to replace Davis in the lineup. The nearly 6’9″, 355-pound lineman is the only unquestioned offensive tackle the 49ers selected in the NFL Draft this year.

49ers Notes: Wilhoite, J. Smith, DGB, Miller

April 17th, 2015 at 4:50pm CST by Luke Adams

At one point earlier this offseason, the 49ers were said to be shopping Michael Wilhoite as a possible trade chip. However, plenty has changed in the last month and a half — when the Wilhoite rumors surfaced, San Francisco was still expecting to have Patrick Willis and Chris Borland back in the mix for 2015 and beyond.

Now, after both Willis and Borland announced their decisions to retire, Wilhoite isn’t going anywhere. In fact, according to general manager Trent Baalke, the Niners are working on a new deal for the linebacker, writes Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. As Branch observes, Wilhoite isn’t even eligible for restricted free agency for another year, but it sounds like San Francisco would like to reach an agreement that would get the 28-year-old locked up for multiple seasons.

Here are a few more Niners notes for a Friday afternoon:

Cornerback, guard, and wide receiver are often mention as positions the Niners could target in the upcoming draft, but Baalke told reporters today, including Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, that he doesn’t feel like his team has any real holes. “We feel very good at where this roster’s at from the standpoint of going out and playing a game tomorrow,” Baalke said.
The Niners are still waiting to hear from defensive end Justin Smith on whether or not he wants to return for the 2015 season, but that decision won’t affect the club’s draft plans, according to Baalke (via Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News). “We’re in no hurry to get that decision from Justin,” Baalke said. “We’re flexible in where we’re at, in terms of knowing what we need to do going into the draft, whether he’s here or not. Feel good about letting him make the decision that he feels is best for him and his family.”
Former Missouri wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham recently visited the 49ers and the Bengals, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). As our Rob DiRe wrote in his breakdown of wide receiver prospects this afternoon, DGB is a first-round talent, but character concerns hurt his value.
Asked today about players with off-field issues, Baalke wouldn’t say whether or not Green-Beckham is on the Niners’ draft board, and said that fullback Bruce Miller hasn’t been on hand for the team’s offseason program while his legal case – stemming from a March 5 arrest for an alleged domestic violence incident – is being reviewed. Barrows has the details in another piece for the Sacramento Bee.

Minor Moves: Tuesday

April 7th, 2015 at 8:57pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Let’s take a look at today’s minor moves:

49ers defensive tackle Tony Jerod-Eddie has signed his exclusive rights tender, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com (Twitter link). The 25-year-old Jerod-Eddie was active for all 16 games last season — starting two — and posted 12 tackles. Maiocco adds that although fellow San Francisco ERFA Michael Wilhoite has not yet signed his contract, he is participating in the club’s offseason program.
Rams running back Chase Reynolds has also signed his ERFA contract, Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun tweets. Reynolds didn’t log a single carry in 2014, but did contribute on special teams, where he played more than 60% of the snaps.
The Buccaneers signed tackle Ben Gottschalk, per Wilson (Twitter link). The Southern Methodist product went undrafted in 2014 before spending a brief time on the Chiefs’ practice squad. He originally worked out for Tampa Bay last Thursday.

NFL Issues Performance-Based Bonuses

March 13th, 2015 at 3:06pm CST by Luke Adams

The NFL has announced and issued its performance-based pay bonuses for the 2014 season, according to a press release from the league. The bonuses, which are based on a player’s playing time relative to his salary level, come from a pool of $3.633MM per team. Here are the top performance-based pay amounts for the past season:

Seantrel Henderson, T (Bills): $373,671
Corey Linsley, C (Packers): $339,566
Russell Bodine, C (Bengals): $318,612
Avery Williamson, LB (Titans): $315,120
E.J. Gaines, DB (Rams): $308,338
Zach Fulton, G (Chiefs): $303,352
Kelvin Beachum, T (Steelers): $297,687
Preston Brown, LB (Bills): $293,179
Michael Wilhoite, LB (49ers): $292,406
Paul Worrilow, LB (Falcons): $287,413

Minor Moves: Friday

March 6th, 2015 at 3:51pm CST by Zachary Links

Exclusive rights free agent Ryan Davis signed a deal with the Jaguars today, according to the team’s Twitter account. The defensive end signed with the Jaguars in May 2012 after going undrafted. He played in one game as a rookie and seven games in 2013 before sticking on the roster last year for 16 games and recording 6.5 sacks. Today’s minor moves..

Quarterback Tajh Boyd has agreed to terms with the Steelers on a one-year deal, multiple league sources tell Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports (via Twitter). The Clemson product was drafted by the Jets in the sixth round of the 2014 draft.
The Broncos officially announced that they have tendered offers to three exclusive rights free agents: linebacker Brandon Marshall, tackle Paul Cornick, and guard Ben Garland, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
The Browns announced they re-signed exclusive rights free agents running back Shaun Draughn and punter Spencer Lanning, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal (via Twitter).
The Jaguars declined to tender offers to their five restricted free agents, Ryan O’Halloran of The Florida Times-Union writes. Fullback Will Ta’ufo’ou, cornerback Teddy Williams, tailback/kick returner Jordan Todman, guard Jacques McClendon, and tight end Fendi Onobun will now become unrestricted free agents.
The Lions gave defensive end George Johnson an original-round tender and wide receiver Jeremy Ross an exclusive rights tender, Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com writes.
The Chiefs have tendered ERFA Junior Hemingway, according to a source that spoke with Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (on Twitter). Hemingway, 26, is a fourth-year pro who caught 12 passes for 108 yards in 14 games as a backup last season.
The 49ers have tendered exclusive-rights free agents Michael Wilhoite and Tony Jerod-Eddie, Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com tweets.
As expected, the Cardinals declined to tender either one of their restricted free agents, Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic tweets. Both quarterback Ryan Lindley and nose tackle Alameda Ta’amu will hit the open market.

49ers Shopping Michael Wilhoite

March 4th, 2015 at 4:27pm CST by Luke Adams

Curtis Lofton isn’t the only inside linebacker reportedly being shopped as a trade chip by an NFC team. According to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, the 49ers are also exploring the possibility of a deal, shopping linebacker Michael Wilhoite.

Wilhoite, 28, saw his first extended action on defense for the 49ers in 2014, starting all 16 games for the club as NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis dealt with injuries. The inexperienced duo of rookie Chris Borland and Wilhoite held its own at the inside linebacker spots for San Francisco, ranking fourth and 36th at the position, according to Pro Football Focus’ grades (subscription required). Wilhoite, a former undrafted free agent, recorded 87 tackles to go along with a pair of interceptions and a forced fumble.

With Bowman and Willis expected back for 2015, and the team needing to find a way to make room for Borland to have a regular role, Wilhoite is somewhat expendable. For a team looking to add an inside linebacker, he’ll come much cheaper than Lofton would, and the Niners’ asking price isn’t high — Barrows writes that the club is seeking a sixth- or seventh-round draft pick for the linebacker, who can also contribute on special teams.

For now, Wilhoite technically doesn’t have a contract, but he’s an exclusive rights free agent, meaning he’d have to sign a one-year, minimum-salary tender from his current club if he wants to continue his career. That’s a formality, and wouldn’t stand in the way of San Francisco completing a deal.