The 49ers added depth at middle linebacker Tuesday as they announced a trade with the Minnesota Vikings for Gerald Hodges. In return for Hodges, the Vikings received a sixth-round pick and rookie center Nick Easton from the 49ers.
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Hodges 20 tackles through four games is tied for third-most on the team, trailing only Harrison Smith (25) and Anthony Barr (26).
The trade comes just days after the Vikings’ Week 4 loss to the Denver Broncos, a game in which Hodges did not start at middle linebacker.
General manager Rick Spielman broke the news to local beat writers in a scheduled media session around 2:45 p.m. Connecticut as the Vikings head into their Week 5 bye.
After four weeks it appears the Vikings are ready to let Kendricks play on every down, making Hodges expendable.
“We see Nick as a center”, Tomsula said.
Minnesota starting center John Sullivan is on injured reserve with a herniated disk in his back, and it is unclear when or if he will return this season.
Easton, 23, is an undrafted rookie who signed with Baltimore and was traded to the 49ers in September. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 49ers also will send a sixth-round pick to the Vikings.
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Spielman said moving Hodges was about using the Vikings’ depth at linebacker to bolster another position.
