San Francisco 49ers undrafted free agent linebacker Stone Blanton recently got married. That was a scheduling conflict, as it meant Blanton would need to be excused for rookie minicamp.

On Monday, the team announced they had signed Blanton to a three-year deal. Blanton started 24 games over three seasons in the SEC. Twelve came in 2024 at Mississippi State, where Blanton finished the year with a career-best 125 tackles. Blanton had seven career games with double-digit tackles, including an 18-tackle performance against Missouri this past season.

The 49ers must’ve liked the way the junior finished the season. Blanton had 14+ tackles in three of the final four games. Instead of returning for his senior season, Blanton entered the draft. Blanton being around the ball that much should help him carve out a role as a special teamer — an area where the 49ers need help.

Blanton’s rookie season will effectively be his senior year, so the Niners might see him as a developmental prospect who plays their style and could help on special teams or defense in a year or two.

We’ve seen the Niners roster multiple undrafted free agents at linebacker during Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch’s tenure. Azeez Al-Shaair was one. Perhaps Blanton will serve as Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles’s (another UDFA) replacement.

The current linebackers are Fred Warner, rookie Nick Martin, Dee Winters, Luke Gifford, Tatum Bethune, Jalen Graham, and Curtis Robinson.