Niner Noise
FanSided

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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12 Sep 1999: Lawrence Phillips #33 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Alltell Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jaguars defeated the 49ers 41-3. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport
12 Sep 1999: Lawrence Phillips #33 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Alltell Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. The Jaguars defeated the 49ers 41-3. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport /

No. 3: Running Back Lawrence Phillips

Coming out of college, running back Lawrence Phillips was seen as a risk for his character issues. Following two unsuccessful seasons with the St. Louis Rams and the Miami Dolphins, Phillips took his talents to NFL Europe’s Barcelona Dragons.

Phillips came back to the league to sign with the 49ers only to play for half the season in 1999. Phillips recorded 144 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Along with his low numbers, Phillips gained most criticism for missing a blocking assignment that led to quarterback Steve Young’s career-ending concussion.

Phillips missed a blitz pickup that allowed Arizona Cardinals safety Aeneas Williams to deliver a devastating blow to Young.

After his release from the team, Phillips’ football career derailed even further despite playing in the CFL. Phillips was sentenced to 31 years in prison in 2009 for assaulting his ex-girlfriend and for driving his car onto three teenagers, according to USA Today.

Phillips passed away at age 40 inside Kern Valley State Prison.