The San Francisco 49ers are signing former Cleveland Browns cornerback K'Waun Williams to a one-year deal, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.
Source: Former #Browns CB K'Waun Williams is signing with the #49ers. They've had their eye on him for a while. It's a 1-year deal.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 21, 2017
Williams is the first player signing of the Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch era. On Tuesday morning, it was reported that the 49ers were among four teams that offered Williams a contract. The other teams were the New York Jets, Detroit Lions, and Miami Dolphins, per CSN Bay Area.
Williams, 26, has spent his entire three-year career with Cleveland after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2014. He was primarily used as a slot corner with the Browns.
Williams did not play in 2016 after a disagreement with the Browns over the treatment of an ankle injury that he suffered. After refusing to play in a preseason game, the Browns suspended Williams and then, in August, waived the cornerback. He immediately signed with the Chicago Bears, but failed his physical.
Between 2014 and 2015, Williams played in 26 games – starting 10. During those two seasons, he had 10 passes defended, three forced fumbles, two recovered fumbles, and two sacks. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was the offensive coordinator in Cleveland when the Browns signed Williams. The cornerback also worked with Jeff Hafley, the 49ers current defensive backs coach, during his two seasons in Cleveland.
In 2015, Williams was Pro Football Focus' 43rd ranked cornerback, but his 74.7 grade would have ranked him as the 49ers' third best cornerback in 2016.