The San Francisco 49ers have waived NT Ian Williams off of the reserve/non-football injury list, per multiple sources. Williams was placed on the injury list on July 30.
Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area reports that the move does not prevent the 49ers from re-signing Williams down the road. The absense of Williams certainly contributed to the team's poor run defense this season.
#49ers released Ian Williams as procedural move to provide him w/ more compensation than he would've earned if he remained on reserve/NFI.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) October 27, 2016
The release of NT Ian Williams does not preclude the #49ers from re-signing him down the road.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) October 27, 2016
In March, Williams, who was about to become a free agent, agreed to a new five-year contract with the 49ers. That contract was believed to pay Williams between $5 and $6 million per year. However, when his availability for the 49ers' season opener in September came into question, that contract was replaced by a one-year deal.
Following a physical, it was determined that Williams' rehab from surgery on his left leg would require more time than originally believed. Prior to the extent of the injury becoming better known, Williams was considered one of the top interior defender free agents.
Williams missed 21 of 32 games from in 2013 and 2014 because of a leg fracture in each of the two seasons. He became a starter in 2014, but the fractured leg ended his season after nine games. He started all 16 games for the 49ers in 2015 and underwent a follow-up procedure upon completion of the season.
Williams joined the 49ers as an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame in 2011.
