SF 49ers roster cuts: 5 key takeaways making 53-man roster

Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Ahkello Witherspoon, 49ers
Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

No. 3: SF 49ers have faith in their cornerback depth

In an interesting development before the cut-down deadline, reports surfaced the Niners were exploring the possibility of trading fourth-year cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon. Whatever move never transpired, perhaps in response to fellow cornerback Jason Verrett suffering a minor hamstring injury.

But it does speak to how San Francisco feels about its cornerback situation.

One of the other moves the 49ers made was to part ways with veteran defensive back Jamar Taylor, who served as the primary nickel backup to the starter, K’Waun Williams, who was also banged up in camp.

Taylor’s release suggests the Niners are comfortable with their depth, made more notable by losing Williams’ former backup, D.J. Reed, both to injury and the Seattle Seahawks after he was waived/injured earlier this offseason. In camp, San Francisco experimented with Emmanuel Moseley at nickel, giving Verrett and Witherspoon first-team reps to pair on the boundary with Richard Sherman.

The SF 49ers could still tweak with their starting trio of cornerbacks and adjust the immediate depth, although it sure appears as if Witherspoon is safe for now.