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

By Safa Shooshtry

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Solomon Thomas (94) Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Solomon Thomas (94) Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ronnie Lott, Los Angeles Raiders
Ronnie Lott #42 of the Los Angeles Raiders (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Defensive Back Ronnie Lott

Defensive back Ronnie Lott was the 49ers’ first-round (eighth overall) pick of the 1981 NFL Draft out of USC. Lott spent his first five seasons playing cornerback for San Francisco. In his rookie season, he earned both Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.

At cornerback Lott would earn four Pro Bowl selections and one All-Pro selection. In 1986, he would move to safety and at that position, he would cement his legacy as one of the hardest hitters in league history. In that season, he also got what would end up a career-high 10 interceptions.

In his five seasons at safety for the 49ers, he would earn five Pro Bowl and four All-Pro selections. He would also be apart of four Super Bowl champion teams during his 10-year run with the team.

His final game with the 49ers, just like Roger Craig, would be in the heartbreaking 1990 NFC Championship Game loss to the Giants.

Lott would sign with the Raiders in 1991 where he would have a familiar teammate in Craig. He would play for two seasons with the Raiders and earn another Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection. He would then play his final two seasons with the New York Jets where he would finish his career.

In 2000 Lott would be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the 49ers.