The 49ers on Wednesday re-signed linebacker Brock Coyle to a three-year contract, the club announced.
General manager John Lynch announced the agreement on social media: “Fired up to have you back in the fold.” Coyle was an unrestricted free agent.
Coyle, 27, started 10 of the 16 games in which he appeared for the 49ers last season. He recorded 64 tackles while taking over at middle linebacker for veteran NaVorro Bowman, who was released during the season.
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“Brock stepped up big for us last season when we experienced some adversity at the linebacker position,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said in a statement. “He’s a selfless guy that does everything the right way. We’ve always known Brock to be a guy we can count on and it was great to see him play the way he did when given the opportunity.”
The 49ers originally signed Coyle to a one-year contract last offseason after he played three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. Coyle was signed primarily for his contributions on special teams.
The team is also likely to add help at inside linebacker in the draft, as Reuben Foster’s status remains uncertain. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office is still determining whether to file criminal charges against Foster, who was arrested in Los Gatos last month for alleged domestic violence, threats and possession of an assault weapon.
Coyle's contract is valued at $8.5 million, according to the NFL Network and could pay him up to $11.5 million with $4.1 million guaranteed.
San Francisco 49ers
In other 49ers-related news . . .
--Brandon Fusco, who started all 16 games for the 49ers last season at right guard, signed a three-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons. The deal could pay Fusco $12.75 million. The 49ers signed former New York Giants center Weston Richburg as an upgrade for the team's interior offensive line.
--The Detroit Lions signed former Seattle cornerback DeShawn Shead to a one-year contract worth $3.5 million, the NFL Network reported. The 49ers were reportedly scheduled to meet with Shead after his release from Seahawks this week.