Linebacker Gerald Hodges signed a one-year, contract with the Buffalo Bills. Hodges spent the last two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers and played his first three years in the league with the Minnesota Vikings. He visited the team earlier in the week.
Bills signing former 49ers LB Gerald Hodges to a one-year deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 25, 2017
Gerald Hodges Signs With Buffalo Bills
The Minnesota Vikings drafted Hodges out of Penn State with the 120th pick in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Hodges was hampered by some injuries in college, but instantly came to the Vikings and made an immediate impact with the team.
Last season for the 49ers, he played in 15 games, starting 12, and recorded 55 tackles and three sacks. He also had two interceptions. Hodges was one of the best defensive players on an abysmal 49ers defense that ranked near the bottom of the NFL in most categories. His numbers were higher than others because of the poor defensive play and the lack of other playmakers.
Hodges signed a four-year, $2.5 million rookie deal with the Vikings in 2013. When their star linebacker Anthony Barr was injured, Hodges got increased playing time and played very well. He recorded 69 tackles and an interception for a touchdown while playing for the Vikings. He was traded mid-season in 2015 to the 49ers in 2015.
Hodges is from Woodbury, NJ and played football and wrestling in high school. He was heavily recruited by Penn State out of high school and played for the Nittany Lions from 2009-2012. In college, he broke out his junior year by leading the team with 106 tackles. In his senior season under head coach Bill O’Brien, Hodges was named second-team All-Big Ten.
