The 49ers landed perhaps their biggest remaining free agent when they agreed to a one-year deal with nickel cornerback K’Waun Williams. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport first reported the signing.
Initially it looked like it wouldn’t be easy for San Francisco to retain their slot corner’s services given their financial constraints, especially with Robert Saleh’s team and their ample salary cap space lurking. Williams joined the 49ers along with the former defensive coordinator in 2017 and evolved into one of the NFL’s most effective slot corners.
Williams became an integral part of the 49ers’ defense and replacing him wasn’t going to be easy. Nobody on the roster appeared ready for the job which means they would’ve had to try and use a premium draft pick on someone to fill that role. Or they could’ve shifted Jimmie Ward down out of the free safety spot where he’s most effective. Now they don’t have to use a pick or move Ward out of his natural position.
Williams played in 77 games with 38 starts across his first four seasons with the 49ers. He racked up 134 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, seven forced fumbles, three interceptions and 13 pass breakups. He becomes the most significant re-signing in a year where the 49ers have aimed to rebuild their entire secondary.
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