One of the 49ers’ scheduled unrestricted free agents will not be hitting the open market tonight. The club has re-signed veteran linebacker Matt Wilhelm to a one-year contract.
Wilhelm, 29, took over the role on the team that Jeff Ulbrich previously held as a backup inside linebacker and core special teams player. Wilhelm signed with the 49ers on Oct. 19, the same day Ulbrich was placed on injured reserve.
Wilhelm saw action in 11 games, including one start at the “Ted” linebacker position when Takeo Spikes was injured. Wilhelm, who was familiar with 49ers defensive coordinator Greg Manuksy from their time together with the Chargers, got the starting nod over rookie Scott McKillop because of his knowledge of the defense and past experience. Wilhelm started 21 games for the Chargers in 2007 and ’08.
Wilhelm collected 11 tackles on defense. He added 12 tackles on special teams.
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UPDATE (2:08 p.m.): Word from the 49ers is that they will not tender K Shane Andrus. (I speculated that they would). That means the 49ers retain no rights to their three scheduled exclusive-rights free agents: Andrus, RB Thomas Clayton and K Ricky Schmitt.
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