Gerald

Hodges

Hodges is a free agent. He was a fourth round pick in the 2013 draft and wound up playing 81 games for the Vikings, 49ers, Saints and Cardinals. Still, Hodges started at least eight games in just one of these seasons, mostly serving as a backup and contributor on special teams.

Hodges announced his retirement last month, but he’s back at it again. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Hodges is drawing interest from teams already, so all signs point to him competing for a roster spot this summer. The six-year veteran made 55 tackles for the Cardinals last season.

Hodges nearly rejuvenated his career with a three-sack campaign in 2016 while helping the Niners shore up the middle of the field. He was unfortunately unable to piece together a successful follow-up, making appearances in 11 and 12 games with the Saints and Cardinals in his final two seasons. Hodges finishes with 217 tackles and three sacks in his six-year career.

A pure outside ‘backer, Hodges is currently penciled in on the weak side for Minnesota. Hodges is not an elite athlete (4.78 40-yard dash), but has adequate size (6-foot-1, 243 pounds) and is a strong tackler. He could develop into a multi-year starter.

Hodges (6-foot-1, 243) played outside ‘backer in the Nittany Lions’ 4-3 and registered 109 tackles -- 8.5 for loss -- seven pass breakups, two interceptions, and one forced fumble as a senior. He ran 4.78 at the Combine with a 1.67 ten-yard split and did 22 bench-press reps. Hodges can play both WILL and SAM and is a sure enough tackler to develop into a passable NFL starter. He was among the team leaders that impressively guided Penn State through the Jerry Sandusky scandal fallout.

Mitchell opened last season as the starter at weak-side linebacker, lost it briefly, and then regained it after Desmond Bishop tore his ACL. But he was really a part-time player and special teamer due to his struggles in pass defense. Now 30 years old, he projects as a strict backup wherever he lands. Gerald Hodges can fill the role for the Vikings.

Gerald Hodges got the first-team reps on Wednesday, but O’Neil said Hodges, Ray-Ray Armstrong and Michael Wilhoite will see equal time with the first-team throughout OTAs. Wilhoite started the first 12 games last year, but a late-season ankle injury opened the door for Hodges, who was acquired via trade in October. Armstrong will get his shot, but the competition will likely come down to Hodges and Wilhoite.

The 49ers’ best run defender last season, Hodges is a potential value signing and a smart target for the Chiefs, who are dealing with an Achilles’ injury to aging ILB Derrick Johnson. Hodges turned 26 two months ago.

Hodges, 26, visited the Chiefs on the opening day of free agency but hasn’t been heard from since. He started 12 games for the 49ers last season, playing 584 snaps total, and receiving strong marks from PFF for his run defense.

Hodges has visited the Chiefs and Seahawks in recent months but remains on the open market despite a strong season in run defense last year with the 49ers. He’d be a quality add at this stage of the offseason.