Fooch’s update: Per Matt Maiocco, Byrd worked out today while Hall visited but did not work out on Tuesday.
The San Francisco 49ers are working out a host of defensive backs on Wednesday, and we can add another name to the list. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting cornerback Leon Hall will join Jairus Byrd in working out with the team. Adam Schefter reported Byrd was working out yesterday, but it Rapoport’s tweet states that workout is today.
The 49ers are continuing to figure out ways to improve their roster, and when a team is coming off a 2-14 season, there is plenty of room for improvement. The team tried trading Vance McDonald last month, and McDonald himself acknowledged that a 2-14 team has to listen to any and all offers that might offer improvement.
While the 49ers have some intriguing players competing for roles in the secondary, the depth is a significant question. The safety position includes Jimmie Ward, Eric Reid, Jaquiski Tartt, and UDFA additions like Lorenzo Jerome and Chanceller James. The 49ers could have a quality pair of starters in Ward and Reid, but both have had injury issues over the course of their respective NFL careers.
The cornerback position features a lot of young talent that is either inexperienced or has not really shown they can take a big step forward. The long term plan is likely to have Rashard Robinson and Ahkello Witherspoon starting, with K’Waun Williams or Will Redmond at nickel. Dontae Johnson and Keith Reaser have some experience, but neither has really lit it up over the past three years. The 49ers need some additional depth to compete and push the younger starting options.
These kinds of potential free agent additions are not meant to be any sort of long-term answers for the defensive backfield. Rather, it is a chance to bring some veteran experience to push and mentor the younger players, while also providing adequate depth in case of injury.