K'Waun Williams is one of nearly 40 San Francisco 49ers players scheduled to become free agents. And now, head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have their former defensive coordinator to contend with in free agency. On Thursday, the New York Jets named Robert Saleh as their new head coach, and there is some concern from the 49ers fanbase that many of the free agents on the defensive side of the football might follow their former coach.
One fan stated on Twitter that Saleh could have a number of the 49ers defenders, including cornerback Richard Sherman. Two players who the fan hopes are untouchable are cornerbacks Jason Verrett and K'Waun Williams.
Sherman (virtually and maybe in real life) laughed at the suggestion that Williams can't be allowed to join Saleh with the Jets, noting that his teammate is from New Jersey.
Lmao you realize KK is from Patterson, NJ. 🤷🏾♂️ https://t.co/rTUl30XYse
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) January 15, 2021
Sherman has previously stated that he doesn't expect to return to the 49ers in 2021. It's not that he would not welcome once again suiting up in red and gold. The savvy veteran simply knows San Francisco's situation.
"Like I said when I had the conversation, I mean, if there's some miracle that happens, sure, there's an opening (for a return)," Sherman said in December. "But there's 40 free agents, and they'll probably have $30 million or less in cap (space). They've got to bring back Trent (Williams), who costs over $20 million. They have to pay Fred (Warner), who costs $18 million-plus a year. And anybody who knows the situation understands that."
Williams was actually the first player signed by Lynch and Shanahan after the duo took over the reigns in Santa Clara. Despite lacking recognition in the form of league awards or honors, he has proven to be one of the best slot cornerbacks in the league.
As for Verrett, the veteran cornerback has proven to be a pleasant surprise. Many fans questioned the re-signing of the oft-injured defender who, before 2020, finished five of his six NFL seasons on injured reserve. Verrett appeared in 13 games this past season and was one of the team's best defensive backs, compiling 60 tackles, two tackles for a loss, two interceptions, and seven passes defensed.