Report: 49ers Free Agent Linebacker Gerald Hodges Visited Colts

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, former San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Gerald Hodges visited the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday as part of his ongoing free agency tour:

Originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 4th round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Gerald Hodges had a breakout season for the San Francisco 49ers this past season following a 2015 trade.

In fact, Horseshoe Heroes had Hodges as one of our ‘7 under the radar free agents‘ earlier this offseason:

"August 26, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Gerald Hodges (51) during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Levi’s Stadium. The Packers defeated the 49ers 21-10. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY SportsThe 6’2″, 236 pound inside linebacker recorded 83 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 2 interceptions in 15 games (12 starts)–finishing 2nd on the 49ers in total tackles.He was also among Pro Football Focus’ ‘10 under-the-radar players about to hit free agency‘:“A good run defender and an effective pass-rusher, Hodges’ 9.3 run-stop percentage ranked 13th among linebackers, while his 16.4 pass-rushing productivity mark was 10th-best. His improved coverage in 2016 is what boosted his overall grade, as he allowed a passer rating of 87.3 after surrendering a 125.5 mark in 2015, and 114.3 in 2014. Hodges’ versatility should make him a solid option for any team in free agency.”Specifically per Pro Football Focus (subscription), Hodges was their 21st best rated linebacker with a +82.4 grade overall.”Hodges has 159 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 10 passes defensed, and a forced fumble in 54 career games (26 starts) during his 5-year career with both Minnesota and San Francisco.As it stands, the Colts could use another veteran option at inside linebacker as beyond free agent additions Sean Spence and (to a lesser extent) Jon Bostic, there’s a lot of unproven alternatives otherwise.Specifically, the Colts have young holdovers Antonio Morrison and Edwin Jackson, as well as rookie 5th round pick Anthony Walker competing for starting jobs at inside linebacker. However, all 3 candidates figure to remain a bit unpolished.Next: T.Y. Hilton Ranked as 61st Best Player in NFL Top 100Hodges could compete and push for a starting job, with Spence being the most likely candidate to start alongside him right now (although Walker could potentially surprise).If nothing else, Spence adds ‘healthy competition’ to the inside linebacker position and may even be an early offseason frontrunner to start for the Colts defense–if ultimately signed. “A good run defender and an effective pass-rusher, Hodges’ 9.3 run-stop percentage ranked 13th among linebackers, while his 16.4 pass-rushing productivity mark was 10th-best. His improved coverage in 2016 is what boosted his overall grade, as he allowed a passer rating of 87.3 after surrendering a 125.5 mark in 2015, and 114.3 in 2014. Hodges’ versatility should make him a solid option for any team in free agency.”"