Joe Walker will change NFC West teams, moving from the Cardinals to the 49ers. The defending NFC champions agreed to a one-year deal with the linebacker, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reports (on Twitter).
A former Eagles seventh-round pick, Walker supplanted Haason Reddick in the Cardinals’ lineup last season. He originally caught on with the Cards after being signed off the Eagles’ practice squad. The 27-year-old defender will have a chance to carve out a role with the 49ers.
San Francisco did not tender linebacker Elijah Lee as a restricted free agent last week, opening up a depth spot for Walker. While the 49ers have their top three fairly well positioned — in Kwon Alexander, Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw — the 2019 Cardinals starter will be a prime candidate to serve as a backup.
The Oregon product registered 65 tackles (five for loss) and a forced fumble last season. He had previously made just 17 stops in his Eagles career. Despite being a starter, Walker also played 70% of Arizona’s special teams snaps last season.
Do the 49ers just have no money to spend?