The 49ers are short at linebacker as Azeez Al-Shaair recovers from a knee injury and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles is in the concussion protocol. As both players recover and try to return to the practice field, San Francisco signed LB Donald Payne to a one-year deal.
Payne fits the mold as a hybrid linebacker as he’s on the lighter side. Payne, 27, is 5-11 and 217 pounds. Payne was also a safety in college. He’s had two stints with the Ravens and Jaguars and spent time on Washington’s and Miami’s practice squad. Payne started five games with the Jaguars.