The New England Patriots need linebacker help. The San Francisco 49ers just released All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman. Problem solved?

The Patriots should at least consider signing Bowman to boost their struggling run defense. They might as well sniff around the situation and see what Bowman might have left at 29 years old as he looks for a new team. Those expecting Bowman to still be the same player who earned four first-team All-Pro honors from 2011 to 2015 might be sorely disappointed, but the three-time Pro Bowl selection seemingly would be an upgrade over players like Elandon Roberts, David Harris, Marquis Flowers and maybe even Kyle Van Noy who have roamed the middle of the field for the Patriots this season.

And signing Bowman would allow the Patriots to move Dont’a Hightower back permanently to the edge, where they intended to play him this season. The move that would make sense would be to release Harris, another veteran linebacker, and swap in Bowman.

But first, the Patriots have to decide if Bowman is worth signing because Harris’ salary became guaranteed when he was on the team Week 1. And it isn’t as if Bowman is going to play for free.

Pro Football Focus has given Bowman just a 45 grade through five weeks. That’s down from an 85.4 grade in four games last season and a 90.5 during his peak in 2013. PFF has Bowman graded more positively as a run defender than in coverage or pass rush.

Bowman has allowed 11 catches on 13 targets for 113 yards with one touchdown this season in coverage, per PFF. He leads the 49ers in tackles with 38 this season. He has one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit and one pass breakup.