Why aren’t the 49ers bringing back Lorenzo Jerome?

The New England Patriots recently worked out former San Francisco 49ers safety Lorenzo Jerome. No signing is imminent, but I am interested in why Jerome and the 49ers never ... you know, joined back up.

Jerome was a preseason and practice surprise that led to him earning a spot on an opening-day roster that included three excellent safeties in front of him. Making the roster was no small feat, and it seemed to be a sign that the 49ers were worried about potentially losing him.

Then, despite injuries, they moved on from Jerome, not signing him to the practice squad after he cleared waivers. They signed another defensive back, Dexter McCoil, off of waivers at the same time. This despite the fact that Jerome played well in relief of Jimmie Ward earlier in the season.

Now, the 49ers went out and signed veteran Antone Exum Jr., another defensive back who they apparently value more than Jerome. Going back and watching the film again, I don’t see anything discouraging when it comes to Jerome. So the decision to potentially let him get away when so many injuries are happening in the defensive backfield is questionable at best.

Will Jerome ever end up back with the 49ers?