Paul Gutierrez, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Ricky Jean Francois' 49ers visit makes sense

Defensive lineman Ricky Jean Francois, a seventh-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2009 who spent the first four years of his NFL career with the team before leaving for the Indianapolis Colts in 2013, will visit with the Niners, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Caplan has confirmed.

The meeting makes sense in that Jean Francois’ position coach with the Niners was Jim Tomsula, the team's new head coach, and Tomsula confirmed last week at the NFL combine that the Niners would be staying in a 3-4 defensive alignment.

Jean Francois, who was cut by the Colts on Monday with two years remaining on his four-year, $22 million contract, had career highs in tackles (28) and sacks (three) last season. And with uncertainty over defensive end Justin Smith’s future, the Niners could do worse than to bring in a veteran who already knows the landscape in Santa Clara.

In Indianapolis, Jean Francois played primarily defensive tackle in the Colts' 3-4 defense. With the Niners, Jean Francois was primarily a nose tackle and started five of the 50 games he appeared in and had a combined three sacks and 49 tackles.

Jean Francois, 28, is also reportedly set to visit with Washington.

^ Back to Top ^