Jamie Winborn has passed his physical examination and the Jaguars have completed a trade with the San Francisco 49ers for the veteran linebacker. Winborn was acquired for an undisclosed future draft choice.
"He's been a starter for most of his career. They converted to a 3-4 defense and he's more of a 4-3 linebacker. He became available," Jaguars personnel boss James Harris said of what led to the trade.
Winborn had lost his starting job to Andre Carter, a first-round pick in 2001 who was moved from defensive end to linebacker this season by rookie head coach Mike Nolan. Harris and Nolan know each other from their days together in Baltimore.
"I spoke to Mike and he said there was no problem between him and Winborn. He said he just didn't think Winborn was a 3-4 linebacker," Harris said.
The 49ers' other outside linebacker is Julian Peterson.
Winborn is expected to fit at weakside linebacker for the Jaguars. Akin Ayodele is currently the starter at that position.
"It was an opportunity to get a veteran linebacker with starting experience. The plan is for him to compete," Harris said.
Winborn, from Vanderbilt, was a second-round pick by the 49ers in 2001. He had his best season last year when he started 10 games, made 4.5 sacks and an interception and forced three fumbles.
