San Francisco 49ers: Best Aaron Lynch Landing Spot if Cut

The drafting of Solomon Thomas made sense from the start for the San Francisco 49ers, but in a new context it seemed almost essential.

Already the team was dealing with pass rush concerns last season. They finished with just 31 sacks. It was hoped Aaron Lynch, their talented young outside linebacker could become one of the guys who could help steer the ship into the future. Thing looked promising early on with 12.5 sacks in a limited role through his first two seasons. Unfortunately it all fell apart in 2016 as he played only seven games and notched just 1.5 sacks. An ankle injury had much to do with that.

Since then though he hasn’t made the best first impression with the new regime. According to ‘Inside the 49ers’ and Santa Rose Press Democrat columnist Grant Cohn, the 24-year old showed up to first team practices significantly overweight.

Now there is word he could end up being cut. Not a surprise given he may not fit the new defensive system anyway. Still it’s a troubling hiccup for a player who still has a chance to make an impact in the NFL. If the 49ers follow through on this threat, where could Lynch end up landing?

The Chicago Bears

Seems the connection between these two teams won’t die. In truth the Bears make a ton of sense for several reasons. They run a 3-4 system that caters to outside linebackers like Lynch. In addition they have a pressing need for depth at the edge rush position after injuries haunted them for much of 2016. Mostly though it’s the coaching connection they have. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was the man in charge of the 49ers defense when they drafted Lynch back in 2014. In their lone year together he had six sacks as a rookie.

He’s still young and has time to turn things around. Fangio should be able to get him back on track and motivated. Especially with a rebuilt locker room filled with new leaders.