49ers sign Philip Wheeler to 1-year deal

The San Francisco 49ers have made a move to address a suddenly thin linebacker position, signing free-agent linebacker Philip Wheeler to a one-year deal Thursday.

The seven-year veteran spent the past two seasons with the Miami Dolphins, appearing in 31 games, making 20 starts and recording 164 tackles.

Following the surprise retirements of Patrick Willis and Chris Borland, inside linebacker emerged as one of the 49ers' most pressing needs on the defensive side of the ball.

Should star linebacker NaVorro Bowman be able to return from the knee injury that forced him to sit out the entire 2014 season, Wheeler should compete with Michael Wilhoite and Desmond Bishop for the other starting spot.

The 49ers made several other roster moves ahead of Thursday night's draft, releasing wide receiver Trindon Holliday, and waiving guard Fouimalo Fonoti and wide receiver Lance Lewis.