Coyle deal might be insurance

The 49ers have reached a three-year deal with inside linebacker Brock Coyle, who played well down the stretch in 2017 in a fill-in role after the team released NaVorro Bowman.

In 2018, the 49ers could turn to Coyle to again step into a starting role. Inside linebacker Reuben Foster has been arrested twice in the offseason and could receive an NFL suspension this season. Last year, Coyle, a core special-teams player, was pressed into service after Bowman’s release was preceded by a season-ending injury to starter Malcolm Smith in training camp.

“Brock stepped up big for us last season when we experienced some adversity at the linebacker position,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said. “He’s a selfless guy that does everything the right way. We’ve always known Brock to be a guy we can count on, and it was great to see him play the way he did when given the opportunity.”

Coyle, 27, signed with the 49ers last year after spending his first three seasons with the Seahawks. He made 10 starts in 2017 and ranked fourth on the team with 64 tackles, while forcing a fumble. He started when the 49ers limited five straight opponents to less than 100 rushing yards, matching their longest streak since 2012.

Coyle, who was listed on the injury report with a shoulder injury before the final two games, had surgery to repair a torn labrum after the season.

Coyle is part of a defense that includes three other ex-Seahawks: cornerback Richard Sherman, defensive end Cassius Marsh and Smith, who is expected to participate in the offseason program after being sidelined with a torn pectoral last season.

The 49ers won’t add another ex-Seattle player: cornerback DeShawn Shead, who was scheduled to visit the team after being released by the Seahawks on Monday. Shead signed with the Lions on Wednesday.

Briefly: Guard Brandon Fusco, 29, who started 16 games last year in his lone season with the 49ers, signed a three-year contract with the Falcons. … Safety Jimmie Ward’s 2018 salary of $8.5 million on his fifth-year option became fully guaranteed at the start of the league year Wednesday.