Around the NFL

San Francisco 49ers sign LB Philip Wheeler

Published: Apr 30, 2015 at 08:30 AM

Marc Sessler

The San Francisco 49ers have added a body to their depleted cast of linebackers.

The team on Thursday signed linebacker Philip Wheeler to a one-year deal.

The move does little more than add depth to a unit that saw both Patrick Willis and Chris Borland announce their retirements this offseason. Wheeler was released by the Dolphins in March just two seasons after signing a five-year, $26 million deal with Miami.

Spending most of his NFL career as a 4-3 outside linebacker, Wheeler figures to move inside in San Francisco's 3-4 scheme. With NaVorro Bowman penciled in as a starter, Wheeler will compete for snaps with Michael Wilhoite, Ahmad Brooks and Nick Moody.

Wheeler's seven-year career also includes stops with the Colts and Raiders. He led the Dolphins in tackles in 2013, but figures more as a two-down run-stuffer in San Francisco. The signing won't stop the Niners from heat seeking more defensive help in the draft.

The latest Around The NFL Podcast previews the 2015 NFL Draft and breaks down the biggest rumors and storylines. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content

news

Week 12 Thursday inactives: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns

The official inactives for Week 12 Thursday Night Football: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns

news

Kevin Stefanski expected to remain as Browns head coach in 2025

Kevin Stefanski is expected to remain as Browns head coach in 2025, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday's edition of The Insiders.

news

Seahawks still without power at facility after bomb cyclone, 'gotta man up' with cold showers

After losing power following a major "bomb cyclone" storm Tuesday night, the Seattle Seahawks' team facility remains affected by the outage on Thursday.

news

Daniel Jones 'grateful' for opportunity as Giants starting QB in first comments since benching

With the dust beginning to settle on the Giants' change at QB, Daniel Jones, now relegated to third-string backup duty after nearly six seasons at the helm, spoke to the media Thursday for the first time since his demotion this week.

news

NFL news roundup: Latest league updates from Thursday, Nov. 21

NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. Visit NFL.com's transaction hub for a daily breakdown.

news

Dak Prescott says it's painful watching Cowboys struggle without him: 'Probably been as tough of a season as I've ever had'

Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, who's out for the season due to a hamstring injury, described how tough it's been watching his team struggle from the sideline.

news

Jordan Love admits playoff loss to 49ers has Packers 'hungry' for Week 12 rematch

Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love had all offseason to reflect on last season's playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers, and he certainly hasn't forgotten how that defeat made him feel ahead of Sunday's rematch.

news

Caleb Williams finds positives in Bears' narrow loss to Packers: 'Efficient football'

The Bears lost their fourth straight game Sunday, dropping them to 4-6, but there were some positives in the defeat, particularly regarding Caleb Williams, Thomas Brown and Chicago's more efficient offense.

news

Chargers' Jim Harbaugh downplays matchup with brother, Ravens ahead of Monday night showdown

Don't try to make Monday's game about Jim and John Harbaugh. The Chargers coach certainly wasn't interested in feeding the narrative when asked repeatedly about his meeting with his brother, the longtime Baltimore coach.

news

Niners QB Brock Purdy (shoulder) limited in practice; TE George Kittle (hamstring) says he'll be playing vs. Packers

In their first practice of the week, 49ers QB Brock Purdy (shoulder soreness) was limited, while TE George Kittle (hamstring) said he'll be playing vs. the Packers after missing Week 11.

news

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (hamstring) trending to return Sunday vs. Giants

Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) is trending toward returning for Tampa Bay's Week 12 date with the Giants, coach Todd Bowles told reporters Wednesday.

news

Week 12 injury report for 2024 NFL season

NFL.com tracks all injuries for each Week 12 game of the 2024 NFL season.