The San Francisco 49ers are set to bring in their first free agent for a visit in the coming days. ESPN writer Michael Rothstein is reporting the 49ers will bring in cornerback K’Waun Williams for a visit, assuming he does not sign with the Detroit Lions or New York Jets before then.
Williams previously played for the Cleveland Browns, but the team released him last August, and he sat out the entire 2016 season after getting bone spurs removed from his ankle. The injury was the reason for the release, as the Browns thought he did not need surgery. He said he injured the ankle in a scrimmage, and declared himself unable to play in the team’s preseason opener. The Browns suspended him for two weeks under the grounds of conduct detrimental to the team. There was some talk he told the Browns he was going to retire, but he ended up going to get a second opinion that recommended surgery.
The Browns waived him, and after he was claimed by the Chicago Bears, he failed a physical. He ended up having surgery on the ankle in early November, and has been rehabbing ever since. According to Ian Rapoport, Williams has been fully cleared.
According to multiple reports, Williams met with the Lions, and has a meeting set up with the Jets. If he does not sign with either team, he could potentially then meet with the 49ers, Dolphins, and Vikings. The 5’9, 183 pound cornerback played primarily as a slot corner in 2015. He can sign with anybody as soon as he wants, and would not cost the team in the comp pick formula.