8 former 49ers who will be available in free agency (and 4 who may return)

Former 49ers available in free agency: CB Ahkello Witherspoon

Former 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon had an inconsistent tenure with the team. He was drafted by the Niners in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, but he never quite lived up to expectations.

Most fans will remember the fact that he got benched in favor of Moseley during the 2019 playoff run and that the 49ers were much better off after making that decision. Witherspoon was still on the team in 2020 and showed some positive signs, but he left in free agency after that year.

After a few decent years with the Pittsburgh Steelers where he was not on the field a ton, he signed with the Los Angeles Rams last season and had his best season as a pro. He started all 17 games and recorded three interceptions along with 51 tackles.

This could set him up to get a relatively expensive contract in free agency, and one the 49ers probably do not want to give him. Plus, Kyle Shanahan likely has more poor memories than good ones of Witherspoon on San Francisco, so a reunion seems unlikely.

Sticking with the defense, this former 49er linebacker was also a member of the team's 2019 playoff run.