According to a tweet from NFL.com's Jason LaCanfora, the San Francisco 49ers are in deep talks with linebacker Ahmad Brooks about a deal that could be in the range of five years, $35 million.
The 49ers have a bit of a problem, but it's a problem worth having. They have three outside linebackers with significant talent who contributed mightily to their stout defense a year ago in Brooks, Aldon Smith and Parys Haralson. If the Brooks deal goes through, that could mean Brooks is in line for one of the two starting spots while Smith and Haralson will battle it out for the other starting gig.
Smith is the wild card. If Smith can show significant improvement in picking up coverage and other responsibilities, he could be on the other side of Brooks with Haralson providing depth. If not, then it's up in the air on how the 49ers will proceed.
Either way, it's a good sign to see Brooks this deep in talks.
For more on Brooks' possible contract, check here.