49ers ILB Michael Wilhoite Signs Exclusive Rights Tender

49ers ILB Michael Wilhoite officially signed his exclusive rights tender on Wednesday, according to the NFL Transactions release.

This means Wilhoite is in line to be restricted free agent in 2016, barring a contract extension.

General manager Trent Baalke told reporters a few months ago that they were working on a new contract for Wilhoite, but there hasn’t been any reported progress since then.

Earlier in the offseason, reports mentioned that the 49ers were trying to trade Wilhoite. However, that was before linebackers Patrick Willis and Chris Borland announced their retirement from the NFL, which leaves Wilhoite as a potential valuable part of their defense.

Wilhoite, 28, appeared in all 16 games for the 49ers and recorded 87 tackles, one forced fumble, two interceptions and six pass defenses last year. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 36 inside linebacker out of 60 qualifying players.

We’ll have more regarding a new contract for Wilhoite as the news is available.