The San Francisco 49ers have acquired linebacker Gerald Hodges from the Minnesota Vikings for center Nick Easton and a 2016 sixth-round draft pick, according to Vikings.com.
The 49ers are clearly trying to fix their defense as they have been outscored 107-28 the last three weeks. Hodges was a fourth round draft pick in 2013, and he can likely make an immediate impact on their defense. Hodges has 20 combined tackles this season, and will look to add more once joining the 49ers.
The 49ers lost two key linebackers this offseason when Patrick Willis retired after eight seasons, and then surprisingly 24-year-old Chris Borland decided to retire as well. San Francisco still has star linebacker NaVorro Bowman who already has a combined 28 tackles with a sack this season.
San Francisco's defense is 23rd in the league in terms of yards given up per game, and the organization is likely hoping an addition like Hodges can help solidify their defense.
The Vikings gave up Hodges to get a 2016 sixth-round pick and the 49ers backup center Nick Easton. The Vikings are likely in need of depth at the offensive line as their starting center John Sullivan was placed on injured reserve/designated for return on Sep. 10. Easton was an undrafted rookie out of Harvard, but Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said he has been monitoring him for a while.
"We tried to sign him after the draft. He played very well in the preseason," said Spielman, via Vikings.com. "We've monitored him when he was with the Ravens, and believe San Francisco traded for him at the 53-man cut because I know they had some injuries at that position."
The Vikings just took a tough loss against the Denver Broncos this past week, and are likely looking to strengthen their offensive line down the stretch of this season. The 49ers will be looking to end their losing streak against the New York Giants on Sunday night, and they will likely be counting on Hodges to make an impact on defense.
