5 free-agent 49ers who can now be re-signed on cheaper deals
By Peter Panacy
49ers free-agent No. 2: Cornerback K’Waun Williams
San Francisco might still be poised to lose nickel cornerback K’Waun Williams this offseason, and the onboarding of Charvarius Ward does afford the team a chance to make up for a would-be Williams loss.
The 49ers would, in theory, start Ward on the boundary while moving either Emmanuel Moseley or Ambry Thomas inside, leaving the other to be the opposite outside corner.
After re-signing on a team-friendly one-year deal last offseason when there wasn’t much of a market for him, the 30-year-old Williams is likely facing his last best chance at securing a sizable contract at this stage of his career.
Considering what Williams has done for an otherwise questionable Niners secondary in recent seasons, it’s nevertheless surprising there hasn’t been much of a market for him, and it looks as if San Francisco is more than patient enough to wait things out.
The longer that goes, though, the better the chances of the 49ers exploring an option to keep Williams around for at least one more season.
Thomas is still young and developing, while fellow 2021 rookie cornerback Deommdore Lenoir is likely pegged for mere backup duties and to serve on special teams.
Williams, despite his age, is still a quality starter.