Matt Barrows has reported, and other sources seem to be confirming that free agent linebacker Larry Grant has been suspended four games for testing positive for performance enhancing drugs. Grant was a big part of the 49ers special teams units the last two seasons, while also getting some significant playing time at linebacker when Patrick Willis was injured late in the 2011 season.

Grant has received limited interest in free agency this year, visiting with the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots. Last season, Grant was a restricted free agent with only an original round (seventh) tender. He got little interest last year, and received only slightly more this year. I don't know how much the Chiefs and Patriots (and 49ers, for that matter) knew about the test before, but it obviously won't help matters moving forward.

Grant will be able to participate in offseason programs, and also preseason action. For comparison's sake, the 49ers had to wait for Clark Haggans to sit through a three-game suspension after they signed him last year.

It will be interesting to see if this gets him re-signed by the 49ers. His value sinks like a rock at this point, which is right in Trent Baalke's wheelhouse. The 49ers could find other options in the draft, but it will be interesting to see how this impacts the 49ers decisions in regards to their special teams units, and their backup inside linebacker positions.