Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 5 worst free-agent signings in franchise history

By Florito Maniego

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: Reggie Bush #23 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Kam Chancellor #31 of the Seattle Seahawks during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 22, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: Reggie Bush #23 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Kam Chancellor #31 of the Seattle Seahawks during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 22, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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SAN FRANCISCO – SEPTEMBER 10: Defensive end Alfred Williams #91 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles full back Craig Heyward #34 of the Atlanta Falcons during a game at Candlestick Park on September 10, 1995 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won 41-10. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO – SEPTEMBER 10: Defensive end Alfred Williams #91 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles full back Craig Heyward #34 of the Atlanta Falcons during a game at Candlestick Park on September 10, 1995 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won 41-10. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) /

No. 5: Defensive End Alfred Williams

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Alfred Williams spent his first four years in the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals. With two solid seasons in 1992 and 1994, San Francisco signed Williams as a pass-rush specialist.

Coming off a 9.5-sack performance the year before, Williams’ numbers declined with the 49ers in 1995. The Texas native just started for one game and recorded 4.5 sacks during his only season with San Francisco.

Williams then left the team to win two Super Bowl rings with the Denver Broncos in 1998 and 1999. Williams also notched 21.5 sacks during his first two years in Denver, once again proving his success without a 49ers uniform.

San Francisco brought in Williams hoping he could wreak havoc alongside defensive linemen Bryant Young and Rickey Jackson. That was not the case, as Williams spent most of the season on the bench and did not live up to his expectations.

During his sole season with the 49ers, Williams did not earn a starting role and fit with the team’s defense. Williams’ inconsistencies also led him to become one of San Francisco’s worst free-agent signings.