Chiefs rumors: Linebacker Gerald Hodges to visit Kansas City

The Kansas City Chiefs are hosting their first free agent visit from linebacker Gerald Hodges.

Free agency started with a bang for several teams around the NFL, but as expected, the Kansas City Chiefs were largely spectators to the first round of official signings. However, the team is busy making plans to host their visit, this time with former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Gerald Hodges.

Hodges started in the 49ers base defense alongside NaVorro Bowman in his second season with the Niners. The 26-year-old linebacker came over from the Minnesota Vikings in a minor trade during the 2015 NFL season, when San Fran sent a sixth round pick in 2016 and center Nick Easton for Hodges’ services.

Hodges started slowly for the Niners, starting only 4 games of the 10 he appeared in during that first season after the trade. However after a full offseason with the team, Hodges started 12 games last year and showed off a wider skill set with 2 interceptions, 2 passes defended and 3 sacks.

The Chiefs are likely looking for a potential upgrade at linebacker next to Derrick Johnson in the team’s base defense and some insurance in case Johnson cannot return to form after an Achilles injury. Veteran linebacker Josh Mauga is also a free agent, which makes Ramik Wilson remains the only real option for the Chiefs in this role. D.J. Alexander is a special teams ace, and Justin March-Lillard remains on the roster, but for a Super Bowl ready team, Dorsey knows he needs to look around for options.