Report: LB Gerald Hodges visits Jets

According to Ian Rapoport via twitter, veteran linebacker Gerald Hodges is visiting the Jets today.

The 26-year old Hodges, who is 6'2" and 243 pounds, was a former fourth round pick for the Vikings who was traded to the 49ers during the 2015 season. In all, he's started 26 games over the past three seasons.

Last year, the 49ers mixed and matched at the inside linebacker positions all year with Navarro Bowman, Nick Bellore, Michael Wilhoite and Ray-Ray Armstrong all seeing playing time, but with Bowman and Armstrong both out for the season within the first four games. Hodges eventually started 12 games, including the season opener, racking up career highs in tackles (83), sacks (three) and interceptions (two).

Hodges first cracked the rotation with the Vikings due to injuries and proved to be somewhat useful in coverage with seven passes defensed in his first year seeing significant action. Prior to that, he was a contributor on special teams coverage units with five tackles in 11 games as a rookie.

When the Jets' undrafted free agent signings were first reported, it seemed like Connor Harris and Austin Calitro would be among those with the best chance of making the final roster due to the lack of depth at the inside linebacker positions. However, since that time, the Jets re-signed Bruce Carter and if they decide to sign Hodges as well, then the competition there will be even greater.

If Hodges does sign, we'll share an in-depth scouting report on him in due course.