49ers bolster cornerback room by adding free-agent Rock Ya-Sin

The 49ers take more pressure off drafting a cornerback by adding another veteran free agent, Rock Ya-Sin.

One of the San Francisco 49ers' bigger needs in the 2024 NFL Draft is at cornerback.

Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir, both starters, are poised to hit the free agency market a year from now, and the cap-stressed Niners may be hard-pressed to re-sign either player, especially if they're looking for market-value deals.

While San Francisco could easily use one (or more) of their 10 picks in the upcoming draft on a cornerback, grabbing some experienced free agents helps alleviate the need to a large extent.

Especially if any drafted player doesn't pan out.

The 49ers have already inked free agents, Isaac Yiadom and Chase Lucas, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions, respectively. Yiadom figures to start alongside Ward and Lenoir, while Lucas should help with both depth and special teams prowess.

On Thursday, news broke that the Niners were signing another veteran corner, Rock Ya-Sin.

49ers sign CB Rock Ya-Sin to a 1-year deal, per report

ESPN's Field Yates reported the transaction:

Ya-Sin, who'll turn 28 years old this offseason, first began his pro career with the Colts back in 2019 as a second-round draft pick.

He spent his first three seasons in Indy before a one-year tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 and then another one year with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023.

Over the course of his career, Ya-Sin has 196 tackles, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions and 29 passes broken up over 66 regular-season games.

The exact details of the contract aren't yet known, but it's likely that Ya-Sin will be competing for a depth spot on San Francisco's depth chart, perhaps earning the right to be the primary backup to the other three 49ers starters.

Read more from Niner Noise