The San Francisco 49ers’ training camp is heating up, and one of the fiercest battles on the roster is unfolding at the linebacker position. With a revamped linebacker group and only one spot left on the 53-man roster, four players are locked in a high-stakes competition where only one will emerge victorious—and the others may see their NFL dreams come crashing down.
A Transformed Linebacker Corps
The 49ers underwent a significant overhaul at linebacker this offseason, second only to their defensive line changes. Some moves were strategic, while others were forced by circumstance. The most significant loss is Dre Greenlaw, whose absence leaves a gaping hole in the defense. Additionally, the departure of Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles in free agency, while not a major defensive blow, will be felt on special teams, where he was a key contributor.
With the return of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and the arrival of new special teams coordinator Brant Boyer, the linebacker room behind All-Pro Fred Warner is poised for an intense battle during training camp and preseason. Warner, a lock for the roster, anchors the group, and third-round rookie Nick Martin is almost certainly guaranteed a spot. However, the depth chart behind them is anything but settled, setting the stage for a brutal competition.
The Locks and the Likely
Assuming the 49ers keep six linebackers on their regular-season roster, Warner and Martin are assured places. Martin’s exact role remains unclear—particularly whether he’ll stay on the field in nickel packages—but his roster spot is secure. Third-year pro Dee Winters is another name to watch, as he’s the leading candidate to fill Greenlaw’s shoes and is likely to claim one of the six spots.
The 49ers also made targeted free-agent additions, with Luke Gifford and Chazz Surratt brought in by Saleh and Boyer to bolster both depth and special teams. Gifford, signed on the first day of free agency with $600,000 in guaranteed money, is a strong candidate for a roster spot due to his special teams prowess. Surratt, who played under Saleh with the New York Jets for the past three seasons, also has a strong case for a depth role. These two signings likely claim two more of the six spots, leaving just one remaining.
The Final Four: A Fight for Survival
With five spots all but locked up, the battle for the final linebacker position comes down to four players: Tatum Bethune, Stone Blanton, Curtis Robinson, and Jalen Graham. Each brings unique skills and challenges, and their performances in training camp, preseason games, and on special teams will determine who makes the cut.
Tatum Bethune
Bethune is clinging to his roster chances at the bottom of the depth chart. His versatility and athleticism offer some upside, but he’ll need to prove his worth on special teams to stand out in this crowded field. A strong showing in camp could give him an edge, but he’s up against more established competition.
Stone Blanton
An undrafted free agent from Mississippi State, Blanton is the dark horse in this race. Despite showing promise in college, he faces an uphill battle as a rookie with limited NFL experience. However, his raw potential could surprise coaches if he capitalizes on opportunities in preseason games. Blanton’s chances hinge on outshining his competitors and proving he belongs on the big stage.
Curtis Robinson
Robinson is a familiar face who seemed poised to break out last preseason, showcasing impressive play before a torn ACL derailed his momentum. Now recovered, he’s fighting to reclaim his trajectory and secure a roster spot. His prior experience with the 49ers gives him a slight edge, but he’ll need to demonstrate that he’s fully healthy and can contribute immediately, particularly on special teams.
Jalen Graham
Like Bethune, Graham is on the fringes of the roster and faces intense pressure to perform. His athleticism and potential are undeniable, but he’s yet to carve out a consistent role. Graham’s fate may depend on his ability to make an impact in limited opportunities, especially in special teams drills and preseason action.
What Will Decide the Battle?
Several factors will determine who claims the final spot. Special teams contributions will be critical, as Boyer’s influence looms large in roster decisions. Injuries could also play a role—if a more established linebacker suffers a setback, it could open the door for one of these fringe players to shine. Versatility, consistency, and standout moments in training camp and preseason games will be the ultimate differentiators.
A Brutal Reality
For Bethune, Blanton, Robinson, and Graham, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Only one will earn a coveted spot on the 49ers’ 53-man roster, while the others face the harsh reality of being cut, potentially relegated to the practice squad or out of the NFL entirely. As training camp unfolds, every snap, tackle, and special teams play will be a make-or-break moment for these four linebackers.
The 49ers’ linebacker battle is a microcosm of the NFL’s cutthroat nature—where talent, grit, and opportunity collide, and only the strongest survive. Fans will be watching closely as this brutal competition plays out, with one player’s NFL dream hanging in the balance.