General manager John Lynch announced that the San Francisco 49ers have signed defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (KIM-dee-chee), a former first-round draft pick, to a one-year deal. He was one of three defensive linemen who worked out for the team on Monday.
It was reported last week that the team was signing Nkemdiche, but Lynch insists the decision didn't come until this week.
"I know it was reported last week, but that person must have been Nostradamus because we had a workout," Lynch said. "We had not decided. There were three guys here working out. He did shine in the workout, so he'll be a part of us moving forward. We're excited about that."
The Arizona Cardinals drafted Nkemdiche (6-3, 296) out of Ole Miss with the No. 29 overall pick in 2016. He registered 15 tackles, a quarterback hit, and a pass defensed through nine game appearances with the Seattle Seahawks last season, per Pro Football Reference.
Nkemdiche's best season came in 2018 with Arizona, when he had 32 tackles and 4.5 sacks on his way to a career-high Pro Football Focus grade of 58.1.
Nkemdiche, 27, has recorded 59 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, 11 quarterback hits, 4.5 sacks, and three passes defensed in 38 game appearances (six starts) through his five NFL seasons with the Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, and Seahawks.