5 teams that should try to acquire NaVorro Bowman
The San Francisco 49ers released four-time All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman on Friday, a move that reverberated around the league.
When healthy, the 29-year-old is still among the league's best inside linebackers, but the 49ers are now focused on building for the future, and 2017 first-round pick Reuben Foster has taken Bowman's spot.
So, without further ado, here are five teams that should try to acquire the veteran linebacker.
Chicago Bears
Bowman ought to seamlessly fit into the Bears' defensive scheme, reuniting with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, with whom he excelled under during their shared tenures with the 49ers. After Jerrell Freeman suffered a pectoral injury and a concussion in Week 1, there has been an absence of leadership among the defense and Bowman would slide in perfectly. Danny Trevathan could certainly use another veteran linebacker alongside him, and Bowman is an upgrade over Nick Kwiatkoski. This ought to be a no-brainer.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys' fragility at inside linebacker ensures the position remains a perpetual need. Jaylon Smith is playing in his first professional games after recovering from a tortuous ACL injury suffered in college, Sean Lee hasn't played a complete season during his eight-year career, and Anthony Hitchens made his season debut just last weekend. Although Bowman's recent injury history won't necessarily inspire confidence, he will be readily available at this juncture for a team looking to save their season.
Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles has surrendered a league-worst 161.2 rushing yards per game and desperately need an upgrade at inside linebacker. Kyle Emanuel ranks 49th among inside linebackers according to Pro Football Focus, Korey Toomer is a journeyman out of place, while Hayes Pullard may be the worst player at his position in the NFL. Jatavis Brown is also struggling after a promising rookie season. Bowman wouldn't have to move very far, either, and would inject veteran stability into an erratic group.
New York Giants
General manager Jerry Reese is allergic to inside linebackers - with Jacquian Williams the last one Reese selected, during the sixth round of the 2011 draft - and it's certainly revealing itself to be a major fault during the 2016 campaign. The Giants rank 29th in rushing defense and are trotting out the near-replacement level pairing of B.J. Goodson and Keenan Robinson, who rank 54th and 70th by Pro Football Focus, respectively. Reese's philosophy has put the Giants in a great position for most of his decade-long tenure but it's backfired this year. It's time to rectify his gross negligence at linebacker.
Oakland Raiders
If you can name Oakland's starting inside linebackers, you're either a card-carrying member of Raiders Nation or need some sleep. Cory James and Marquel Lee are holding the Raiders' defense back and Bowman would be a monumental upgrade at the position. Throw in the fact that Bowman could probably take all his possessions with him on the BART line from San Francisco to Oakland, and it's a move both parties ought to strongly consider.