Solomon Thomas, 5 other 49ers who left in free agency for Raiders

Solomon Thomas is the latest player from the 49ers to head to the Raiders in NFL free agency. Who were some of the others over the years that did the same?

As soon as the 2021 NFL league year began on March 17, free agency arrived with a bang. For the San Francisco 49ers, there was much buzz as to whether the team would re-sign perennial Pro Bowl tackle, Trent Williams.

The Niners doubled down and not only re-signed Williams, but they signed free-agent center Alex Mack. That move reunited head coach Kyle Shanahan with the multiple-time Pro Bowl center whom he coached in two separate locations, Cleveland and Atlanta, where he made stops as the offensive coordinator.

General manager John Lynch and the front office were also instrumental in re-signing a number of other impact players that were on the roster last year and had become free agents. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk, safety Jaquiski Tartt and defensive tackle D.J. Jones all returned to the team with new contracts.

In addition, a slew of cornerbacks returned to the team, those being Emmanuel Moseley, Jason Verrett and K’Waun Williams.

Some faces, though, who had been around since the start of the Shanahan and Lynch regime ended up departing. Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne signed with the New England Patriots. Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon and defensive end Kerry Hyder Jr. both signed with the Seattle Seahawks.

One player, however, followed a trajectory many former 49ers had over the years, defensive end Solomon Thomas. He did not re-sign with the Niners but instead signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.

A number of former 49ers in the past have also gone over to Raiders in free agency. Let’s take a look at five former Niners who went that route.