49ers re-signing K’Waun Williams was absolutely the right move

After exploring the NFL free agency market, nickel corner K’Waun Williams is back with the 49ers on a one-year deal, per reports.

It’s pretty amazing the sheer number of NFL free agency moves the San Francisco 49ers were able to put together despite being relatively limited in salary cap space at the very beginning of the league new year.

But despite a flurry of moves by general manager John Lynch, including freeing up space to get to approximately $20 million under the cap, the Niners hadn’t yet addressed their starting nickel cornerback situation previously vacated by the veteran, K’Waun Williams.

Williams reportedly had some interest from the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs on the open market.

As reported on Wednesday morning by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and The Athletic’s Matt Barrows, though, Williams is returning back to San Francisco on a one-year deal:

The 49ers already retained five other members of their defensive backfield this offseason: Jaquiski Tartt, Jason Verrett, Emmanuel Moseley, Dontae Johnson and Marcell Harris. Before all these moves, the only starting defensive back the Niners had under contract was free safety Jimmie Ward.

49ers still have cornerback needs, but re-signing K’Waun Williams was a must

The market on nickel cornerbacks in free agency developed slowly, which partially explains why Williams remained available for over a week. But bringing him back on a one-year deal at least affords the Niners a chance to use their top two picks in the 2021 NFL Draft to address other spots on the roster.

Verrett and Johnson are also back solely on one-year deals. And with Verrett’s injury history, it wouldn’t be shocking to see San Francisco go after a corner to man one of the boundary spots in 2022 and beyond.

Williams, who’ll turn 30 years old before the regular season begins, played only eight games last season because of varying injuries. Yet he was still a vital part of the 49ers defense ever since signing a free-agent deal with the team back in 2017.

It could be, however, the Niners still look for a younger long-term replacement to step in for Williams in 2022.

Fortunately, however, retaining Williams can afford San Francisco the opportunity to lessen that need. Or, at the very least, not force a rookie defensive back into the fray right out of the gate. One of the trends many first- and second-year defensive backs go through is to struggle with the transition from the college ranks to the pros. It’s wise to exercise patience with young corners and safeties, allowing them to properly develop over time.

Having Williams back for at least another year assists with that.

Plus, Williams has been a quality defensive back anyway, frequently ranking as one of Pro Football Focus’ best nickel corners in recent years. While his age and recent injury history are a bit concerning, there’s little questioning the 49ers are better, defensively, when Williams is on the field.