The San Francisco 49ers re-signed cornerback Jason Verrett to a one-year deal on Monday, securing at least one of their impending free-agent defensive backs. Another, cornerback K'Waun Williams, could be highly sought after.
Ralph Vacchiano of SNY reports that the New York Jets are expressing interest in the veteran slot corner, which shouldn't come as much of a surprise. There is some familiarity there. The Jets head coach is Robert Saleh, who spent the past four seasons as the 49ers defensive coordinator and took several San Francisco staff members with him upon being hired in January.
The Jets have an interest in 49ers cornerback K'Waun Williams, according to a source, and it appears to be mutual. The sides likely won't talk deal until after the first wave of free agency, though. Williams is a Paterson, N.J. native and he's said to be a Robert Saleh favorite.
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) March 15, 2021
Williams joined the 49ers in 2017 and is considered among the best slot cornerbacks in the league. He registered 22 tackles, two sacks, four passes defensed, and a forced fumble through eight games with the 49ers in 2020.
While Williams does not become a free agent until Wednesday, his agent can negotiate with other teams until then. Nothing can be signed until the start of the new league year on Wednesday, though, which gives San Francisco some time to try to retain Williams, should it attempt to do so.