The 49ers spent plenty of money on the offensive side of the ball last year. This year, they’re getting started with the defense.
Per a league source, the 49ers will sign former Bucs linebacker Kwon Alexander when the free-agency signing period opens on Wednesday.
Alexander will receive $54 million over four years, with $27 million in rolling guarantees. He’ll make $13.5 million per year, a new high-water mark for inside linebackers.
Alexander is recovering from a torn ACL suffered last October. The top two players paid by the 49ers last year -- quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and running back Jerick McKinnon -- also are recovering from torn ACLs.
A four-year starter in Tampa, Alexander has 46 starts with the Bucs. He made it to the Pro Bowl in 2017.